High hopes held by Carlisle United’s Nigerian-born striker, Richard Offiong for a late transfer to Rotherham United have come crashing down and out.

Confirmation of Offiong's botched transfer came from his coach at the League One club, Greg Abbott, who said talk about a move for the ex-Hamilton Academicals of Scotland star to join Rotherham did not go through, after a hitch prevented the deal from being completed.

Offiong, who has scored just once in 18 appearances since his £75,000 arrival from Hamilton last summer, was due to join Rotherham on loan last week and Abbott is relieved that the striker did not join the League Two club.

The gaffer admitted that he was scared when Carlisle star, Darryl Duffy picked up an injury during their goalless draw away to Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday, but is happy to note that Offiong may now secure a rare start for the next game.

"There was a complication so the loan didn't go through. Maybe it's a bit of a good thing. It's not easy though, particularly if you are talking about strikers, but if it's something that we can do then we will," said Abbott.