Carlisle's play-off hopes have been dealt an untimely blow with the news defender Paul Reid has returned to parent club Barnsley for treatment.The 26-year-old, who was in his second spell at Brunton Park, is suffering from an ankle injury and has been restricted to just one appearance since rejoining the Blues in March.

Reid is now back at Oakwell, but has not ruled out the possibility of returning on a permanent basis in the summer.

"I've got another year on my contract at Barnsley but my future probably lies away from there," Reid told the Carlisle News & Star.

"Carlisle would definitely be one of the clubs I'd be keen on and the ball is in their court.

"I hope the manager has seen enough of me in training and the reserves to convince him I would be able to strengthen his squad."

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