Gavin Skelton reckons Steven Rigg can hit the goal trail for Queen of the South after his release by Carlisle United.

The Cumbrian frontman returned to Brunton Park to score for his new side in Tuesday's friendly.

And the Keswick man has quickly taken to life with Skelton's Scottish Championship outfit, according to his new manager.

"Steven is getting into some really good positions and he's settled in well," said Skelton, who watched Rigg score Queens' second in their 3-2 win against the Blues.

"I'm really pleased how well he's done in training.

"I was really keen to get him in after he left Carlisle.

"With where our club is at, we want to give people an opportunity who haven't necessarily come from a professional start, or young players, or players looking to rebuild their careers.

"He's a good fit for us. It's important to gain the respect of your team-mates early on and he's certainly done that.

"He always scores goals in training so hopefully I can give him a push on and he can score lots of goals for us.

"Along with the strikers we've got, such as the likes of Del Lyle, who's scored nearly 100 goals for the club, and Dale Hilson, there should be goals in the team."

Rigg, who made the step up into the professional game with United in 2014 after starring for Penrith, scored six goals in 39 appearances for the Blues.

The 24-year-old former National Trust forester will be facing the likes of Hibs, who recently signed Grant Holt, in Scotland's second tier next season.

Former Workington Reds boss Skelton, meanwhile, is relishing his own opportunity in charge of the Doonhamers.

He stepped up from his assistant manager's post to the top job in May after James Fowler's departure.

Skelton, from Kirkby Thore near Appleby, said: "I'm enjoying it and I'm very grateful the club have given me a fantastic opportunity.

"It's an unbelievably strong league this year with Dundee United, Dunfermline, Hibs - some really big clubs, but I'm really looking forward to pitting my wits against them and competing."