Carlisle United manager Paul Simpson is delighted to have signed young Bristol City centre-back Duncan Idehen on loan until January after receiving rave reviews of the 20-year-old from Robins staff.
Idehen, who signed a new two-year City contract in May, has moved to Brunton Park until January and is in contention to make his debut against Stevenage in League Two this weekend with former Robins coach Simpson searching for a left-sided player.
City signed Idehen in January following his release by Grimsby Town, and he made his Robins debut towards the end of last season with substitute appearances against Derby County and Huddersfield Town, but has since been moved back to the Under-21 set-up. He notably wasn’t involved in the Young Robins 4-2 win over Hull City on Tuesday, paving the way for his move to the north west.
Simpson left Ashton Gate in October last year which meant he didn’t get the chance to work directly with Idehen but has done his homework into what the defender will bring to the side. Carlisle have started their campaign with a win and two draws.
“Ideally we wanted a left-sided player and Duncan certainly fits that profile,” Simpson said. “I'm looking forward to getting him working with us and to getting him integrated into the group, and I'm sure he's going to be another really good addition to our squad.
"He's a good size, he loves defending and he has a bit of pace about him. He's confident on the ball and I'm delighted that Bristol City have agreed to let him come to us.
"He's had appearances in the Championship and he was part of their squad during pre-season. They've got players back from injury and a decent number of centre-backs, so he's gone back to U23s down there.
"I was aware of him last season, but he's not one I've worked with before. He came to Bristol after I'd left, but I knew about him and I've spoken to the staff who I was with and they've given him rave reviews.
"We've had him watched this season just to confirm our thinking and, like I say, he fits the profile of what we want here. That's in terms of character and ability, and I'm delighted that we've got him with us."
Simpson’s comments over the number of centre-backs at City is an interesting one given that, at present, Nigel Pearson only has four fit senior central defenders in current starting trio Kal Naismith, Rob Atkinson and Zak Vyner, plus Timm Klose who came on as a substitute against Luton Town.
Tomas Kalas remains sidelined with knee problems and although the Czech Republic international has trained this month, Pearson didn’t offer any indication as to when he might be back in first-team action.
The only other option at centre-back is Idehen’s Under-23 colleague Ryley Towler who is also attracting significant attention from clubs wishing to take him on loan but, at present, City are holding onto the 20-year-old.
Former Cardiff City and Middlesbrough centre-back Sol Bamba is also training with the club for the next two weeks but Pearson has indicated that’s as much to help the 37-year-old get fit, as it is a means for bringing him in on a contract.
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