Danny Grainger set for Carlisle return

Posted Monday, December 18, 2017 by PA

Carlisle boss Keith Curle is searching for a winning combination in the FA Cup second-round replay against Gillingham after five games without victory.

Captain Danny Grainger is likely to come back in at left-back after returning from a rib injury as a substitute at the weekend, with Tom Parkes vulnerable.

The Cumbrians have also confirmed long-term absentee Jason Kennedy will miss the rest of the season, while on-loan goalkeeper Shamal George has returned to Liverpool with ankle trouble.

Jamie Devitt, Shaun Miller and Kelvin Etuhu are among those hoping for recalls to the starting XI.

Gillingham are likely to stick with fit-again Alex Lacey after the defender marked his first league appearance since September with a goal.

Lacey, filling in at left-back due to Connor Ogilvie's enforced absence, turned in a solid performance as well as grabbing his side's second goal in a 4-1 win.

Bradley Garmston is also in contention for a start after returning as a substitute in that game following six weeks of hamstring trouble.

Striker Conor Wilkinson and Elliott List are also close to match fitness but Billy Bingham is still recovering from ankle surgery.