By Jon Colman

Last updated 10:51, Saturday, 12 July 2008

Danny Carlton ended his year-long drought for Carlisle United last night - as boss John Ward dismissed talk that he might ship the striker out of Brunton Park.

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Danny Carlton

The former Morecambe hitman, who failed to find the net in his first season with the Blues, headed United’s third goal in their 4-0 friendly win at Kendal.

His goalscoring struggles have led to suggestions Carlton might be farmed out on loan in the coming campaign, but Ward believes he can finally come good for the Cumbrians.

“People have been talking about Danny going somewhere else, but I don’t want him anywhere but here,” said Ward.

“I’ve told him to get on with it - we’ve got six weeks of pre-season, and it’s his chance to get some goals and get around the first team.

“He’s a willing runner, a hard worker and his goal will have done him the world of good.”

Scott Dobie scored twice and Luke Joyce was on target with a superb late effort as the Blues eased to victory against the Unibond Premier Division side in their first pre-season workout.

But it was Carlton’s goal that will have encouraged Ward the most. It was the first time he had scored for the Blues since netting in a friendly at Morecambe shortly after his transfer from Christie Park last July.

“The team did very well last season and it was tough for Danny to break into it,” Ward added. “But I want him to get some confidence that he can be around the first team. There’s no reason why he can’t.”

The United chief handed debuts to Ben Williams and Josh Gowling at the Lakeland Radio Arena and was happy with his side’s efforts.

“When you are a new player your first game is a big thing, but they’ve done very well,” said Ward. “We looked in good condition considering it’s the end of our first week and I’m happy with how we played."