GRAHAM Alexander will have no issue with Cheick Diabate stepping into Aden Baldwin’s boots against Carlisle.

The on-loan Exeter centre half was one of the three City debutants against Newcastle under-21s in the EFL Trophy last night.

With Baldwin’s hamstring injury ruling him out for a few weeks, there was more spotlight on Diabate than Joe Adams and Jay Benn.

And Graham Alexander felt Diabate’s display indicated he will be up to speed for his league bow on the right of the back three at Valley Parade this weekend.

The City boss said: “He looked very comfortable and I was really pleased for him.

“We obviously brought him here for a reason to give us that.

“We know he’s a good player but when you haven’t trained with your new team and there’s been very little details, you always have a slight concern that he won’t pick it up.

“But I thought he was never in bother or in trouble. He supported his team-mates really well and made the game simple.

“He played the game well and was effective – that’s what we want from all our players.

“We’re not looking for things that are overcomplicated. We keep it simple and effective and he was certainly that.”

Baldwin is expected to be out for “two to three” weeks after a scan on his injury revealed a slight strain – to City’s relief.

“Matt (Abbott) the physio suggested that might be the case and when the scan came through it was,” added Alexander. “It could have been a lot worse.

“Aden’s already talking about when he’s going to return and being positive about it. It’s the same as Sarce (Antoni Sarcevic).

“We look forward to getting them back in but I still believe, as the performance showed last night, we’ve got a strong enough team and squad to go on and play well.

“But we just have to refine our details at both ends of the pitch to take the full rewards from our play.”