The attack-minded right-sided player is becoming a fans' favourite with his energetic displays.

Duru earned his latest another warm ovation from Blues supporters after the FA Cup win over Tamworth, and he is now preparing for a return to league action at Solihull Moors this weekend.

The former Blackburn Rovers prospect’s displays are increasingly catching the eye and Elliot says Duru “embodies everything” he wants from a Carlisle player.

"With Leo now it’s just about consistency," said the Blues head coach.

"He's got unbelievable physical traits – way above the level. He's got a fantastic mentality where he'll never give up, never give in.

"I think that's why he is a favourite here already, because he plays with his heart on his sleeve and he'll never give up in any situation.

"He's so exciting to watch when he goes forward and he can beat people."

Duru, who joined Carlisle after a trial in the summer, has become an increasingly important figure for United down the right.

Elliot feels the 21-year-old can get even better as he continues to work on refining his game.

Duru has impressed for Carlisle since his summer move (Image: Richard Parkes)

“We need to work in terms of the final third with him," the head coach said.

"We want him to get more assists and more goals because he gets into those positions more than anyone else in the league.

"It's just consistency with him. He's 21 years old and he's not really played a consistent amount of games at this age.

“Like with a lot of our younger players, we need that consistency, to keep working, and they'll get better every week and this team and squad will just keep getting better.

“It sometimes doesn't look as smooth as you'd like but with Leo I think he's been absolutely exceptional.”

United States Under-20 international Duru has impressed with his attitude as much as his ability and Elliot added: “He’s really epitomised everything I want from a player at this club.

"He's getting his reward because he's been absolutely superb.

"He's now [had that chance to] make that right-hand side his own, and rightly so.

"It's up to him to maintain that, but also to keep progressing because I think there's so much more to come from him."