Press article:

Craig desperate to stay with Carlisle United - 14/04/2004

The 21-year-old has been on fire in recent weeks, scoring four goals in his last six appearances, but he remains on the transfer list at Brunton Park.

Farrell was one of nine players made available for transfer in November but after forcing his way back into the starting line-up last month, he has been outstanding as the Blues have moved within five points of Division Three safety with six games to play. Farrell, who was in target in last Saturday's superb 2-1 win at Swansea, will be in the attack for tomorrow's home clash against Kidderminster (3pm kick-off) and his agent Philip Woodisse insists he is enjoying every minute of his resurgence.

"Craig absolutely loves it at Carlisle and he is buzzing now that he is back in the team. He is scoring goals and his recent performances have been outstanding," said Woodisse. "All he is concentrating on is trying to keep the club in the Football League. He wants to get the goals to keep the club up and is fully committed to the cause. "He wants to stay with Carlisle regardless of whether they stay up or go down. He is under contract until the end of next season and even if the club went down to the Conference, I'm sure he would have a lot of fun in trying to get them back up at the first attempt."

Farrell has been United's best player since his return to the side against Torquay, and he is reproducing the form he showed when he first joined United last season. After scoring six goals during a loan spell from Leeds in 2002, Farrell secured a permanent switch and netted a further eight goals before the end of the campaign. Woodisse admits there has been some interest in the Middlesbrough-born player since he went on the transfer list, but added: "Players went on the list for financial and administrative reasons from what I can gather.

"Whether he stays on the list or not is a decision that is out of my hands, but I've had conversations with Paul Simpson and he says Craig has been performing very well."

"It is also clear that if anyone tried to sign him at the end of the season, Carlisle would put up a strong fight to keep him. "There is always going to be speculation about a young striker who is scoring goals in a team at the wrong end of the table."

"Everyone wants someone in their team who can get on the scoresheet regularly and Craig is a player with decent pedigree. However, I cannot emphasise how much he enjoys it at Carlisle and he is more than happy to remain with the club."

By Lee Rowcroft

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