Mark Hughes insists the returning Josh Vela’s experience can be valuable for Carlisle United.
The midfielder made his comeback from an injury-enforced absence in the victory at Barrow.
Vela had been sidelined since mid-December with a calf problem, but returned as a substitute in the 1-0 win at Holker Street.
The 31-year-old gave a combative cameo performance as Carlisle closed out a vital win.
And head coach Hughes felt it was right to lean on the experience of Vela – and other seasoned campaigners in the squad – in the circumstances.
Asked about former Fleetwood Town and Bolton Wanderers man Vela’s return, Hughes said: “I think, in this situation, that experience is important.
“I also thought Callum Guy once again did a really good job for us – and he knows the club, knows what it's about and he's won with the club as well.
“It's important to get those guys involved, I felt, so that was just my thinking in that regard.”
Callum Guy has made a solid return to the side after illness (Image: Richard Parkes)
Vela had not featured since the 2-0 home defeat to Chesterfield on December 14, with his outing at Barrow his 17th appearance of the League Two season.
Guy, meanwhile, made his second start since returning from an illness that had also kept the midfielder on the sidelines since December, with right-back Archie Davies also getting his second outing after returning from an injury absence.
Another player soon set to be available to Hughes, meanwhile, is wide man Jordan Jones.
He has been out with a foot injury for the head coach's five games so far.
But Jones was involved in full training sessions last week and could be in the frame to return to the squad against Walsall at Brunton Park on Tuesday night.
Other players, such as Georgie Kelly, Paul Dummett, Josh Williams and Charlie Wyke, remain on the sidelines.
FLASH SALE: Get unlimited access to every Carlisle United article by subscribing to the News & Star for £2 for 2 months or a full year with 30% off - click HERE
