Carlisle give Sorenson extra sessions

CARLISLE United are putting Newcastle United youngster Elias Sorensen through extra training sessions to further develop his game as the striker struggles for minutes on the pitch.

The 19-year-old joined the League Two side on loan in the summer but has so far only started one game, making another five substitute appearances.

The Dane did not get off the bench at the weekend as Bradford City beat the Cumbrians 3-1.

Sorensen’s lack of game time has drawn comparisons to his loan deal at Blackpool last season, which United cut short due to firstteam action being restricted for the forward.

United are monitoring the situation at Brunton Park and Carlisle boss Stephen Pressley has revealed Sorensen is undergoing extra drills to improve his game.

He said: “We continue to work with Elias. We are working several Elias Sorensen

afternoons a week with him and a number of our players whom we are trying to improve all the time.

“That is my job. I have spoken to Elias and said to him exactly how I feel.

“My job is to help him become better and that’s what I’m doing.”

Having hit 16 goals in 25 games for Newcastle’s Under-23s last term, Sorensen joined up with the first team in China for the pre-season tour and featured against West Ham.

There were calls from fans to include him in the first-team squad for this campaign but the decision was made to send him out on loan for first-team football - and despite that being at a premium, Pressley does not feel United will recall him.

When asked if the Magpies had been in touch about Sorensen, Pressley added: “No. Actually, part of a young player’s development is coming out to a team and having to fight for your place.

“That is real football and part of their development.

“Steve Bruce and the Newcastle staff will understand - this is a big part of his development.”