Keith Curle insists he wonââ¬â¢t offer Derek Asamoah a permanent deal based on two cameo appearances for Carlisle United even if he risks losing the fansââ¬â¢ new favourite.
Asamoah has scored two goals in two games, including a 90th-minute winner in Saturdayââ¬â¢s 2-1 victory over Oxford United, but still hasnââ¬â¢t done enough to earn a longer deal.
Curle believes other clubs will be alerted by the 33-year-oldââ¬â¢s availability but isnââ¬â¢t prepared to rush into a decision as he believes there is still more to come from the former Ghana international.
Asamoah is unable to start games because of a hamstring injury and the United boss, who previously signed the player for Mansfield and Chester, wants him to get fully fit before deciding on his long-term future.
ââ¬ÅI canââ¬â¢t offer a contract to a player to be a bit-part player â⬓ and Derek doesnââ¬â¢t want that either,â⬠said Curle.
ââ¬ÅHe wants a little bit of stability and longevity but, to get it, he needs to show he can play a full part. The more time he has on the pitch, the more goals he scores and the better he plays, the more will come his way. Itââ¬â¢s win, win for him.
ââ¬ÅIââ¬â¢m mindful of the fact that other people will be looking at Derek and know he is on a short-term contract.
ââ¬ÅI told him I would give him a platform to showcase his ability. Heââ¬â¢s been earning money by doing that because his contract is incentivised so, if he scores and does well, he gets more money.ââ¬
The former Northampton and Shrewsbury striker, who has spent the last three years playing in South Korea, came off the bench to fire Carlisleââ¬â¢s third goal on his debut in the 4-3 defeat to Burton Albion last midweek.
Asamoah is doing everything right in his bid to earn a longer deal, but Curle believes there is still more to come from the Accra-born player.
ââ¬ÅI know him really well and I signed him in the past when he was a hell of a lot fitter than he is now,â⬠added the Blues boss.
ââ¬ÅHeââ¬â¢s not in bad condition but he is a finely tuned athlete and, because he hasnââ¬â¢t been playing, he has become de-conditioned.
ââ¬ÅBecause of his hamstring, I canââ¬â¢t get 60 or 70 minutes out of him, but I can get 15-20 minutes. Heââ¬â¢s an explosive player who will frighten the life out of teams in this division when he is fit.ââ¬