Carlisle United manager to mix things up in Papa John's Trophy at Morecambe tonight

The Blues head to Morecambe in the Papa John’s Trophy (Mazuma Stadium, 7pm) for the new manager’s third game in charge.

Carlisle are already assured of a place in the knockout stages of the controversial competition, and can top their group with either a win or a draw.

Manager Millen says that, while winning any game is paramount, it is also important he assesses those in his squad who are waiting for a chance.

“I want us to win – it’s the next game, we do everything we can to win that game – but there are also players that I need to see,” he said.

“I know we are through already, I know the situation of where we are, but we still want to win and keep that momentum going.

“I’ll assess with the staff who’s fit; it’s a big ask sometimes to play the amount of games we’re playing.

“With the size of the squad, I have to give them respect and play some of them. Otherwise, when are they going to play?

“I can’t say to the squad that I want to see everybody and then not play them.

“I have to believe in them and give some of them an opportunity and hopefully they take it.”

Millen’s keenness to give chances to other players could see opportunities for the likes of Lukas Jensen, Danny Devine, Jonathan Dinzeyi, Morgan Feeney and Manasse Mampala.

It will give the new manager the chance to further assess his squad after chalking up his first victory against Horsham in Saturday’s FA Cup first round tie.

Brennan Dickenson may not be risked again as he recovers from a dead leg, with this weekend’s big all-Cumbrian league clash with Barrow also on the horizon.

Despite United’s league struggles, they are already assured of their place in the trophy’s last 32.

It is only the second time they have progressed to the knockout stages since the entry of top-flight Under-21 sides into the competition in 2016 – a move which led to a boycott by a number of fans.

A win or a draw would tonight put the Cumbrians above Hartlepool at the top of northern group A. Defeat and Millen’s side will end as runners-up. If it is a draw, the game will go to penalties even though the outcome would have no bearing on either team's fate, Morecambe unable to qualify.

Millen said it is important the Blues treat each game as importantly as possible no matter the competition.

“Without a doubt, I value every competition,” he said.

“I want to win every game, whether it’s a pre-season friendly or anything else.

“This game is top of my list, now, of priorities to win.

“Financially for the club [it can be important] and for some of the players that I’ve not seen yet, it’s a great opportunity for some of them.

“I need to pick a team that gives us the best chance of winning it. Obviously we’ve got the Barrow game on the Saturday, so there are lots of things we have to weigh up.

“But my underlying feeling is we want to go there and win.”

Hosts Morecambe, who are 20th in League One, are also likely to make changes.

The Shrimps’ two ex-Carlisle players, Cole Stockton and Arthur Gnahoua, both started their FA Cup victory over Newport on Saturday.

The trophy's second round draw, meanwhile, will be made this Saturday on Sky Sports after the televised Port Vale v Bradford City game, which kicks off at 12pm.

It means Carlisle's next opponents will be drawn while United are in action, given their own game against Barrow is a 1pm kick-off on Saturday.

The second round remains regionalised, with group winners to be drawn at home against a runner-up from a different group.

Former Newport boss Michael Flynn and ex-Carlisle and Port Vale player Chris Birchall will conduct the draw, the EFL have confirmed.

Carlisle can claim £10,000 for a group-stage win tonight, with £5,000 on offer for a draw. That is in addition to a £20,000 "participation fee" which is given to each EFL club.

Prize money for a win increases to £20,000 in round two, £40,000 in round three, £50,000 in the quarter-final, £50,000 for the competition runners up and £100,000 for the winners.