Carlisle United have handed youth defender Max Kilsby a professional deal, but released four other teenagers.

The Blues tonight confirmed that left-sided Kilsby had been offered a one-year senior deal with an option.

The 18-year-old will join Sam Fishburn, Jack Ellis, Gabriel Breeze and Scott Simons in the pro ranks from this year's crop of second-year youth players.

But Josh Barnett, Dylan Garvey, DJ Taylor and Charlie Watt have all been released.

Kilsby has impressed in youth and reserve games, with United's academy coaches and first-team boss Paul Simpson impressed by the former Newcastle United prospect.

“He’s impressed me when I’ve seen him and, having spoken at length with the academy coaching staff, we feel there’s potential for a player we can work with," said Simpson.

United had already secured defender Ellis, striker Fishburn and keepers Breeze and Simons to professional terms.

Of the four youngsters released, Simpson added on United's website: "They leave with our best wishes. The academy staff have spoken to them, and they know there is support here at the club if they need it."

Under-18s manager Mark Birch said none of the decisions had been taken lightly and that telling young players they were being let go was always hard.

“Unfortunately it can’t happen for everyone, but if they come back and prove us wrong we’ll be proud as punch," he added.

On Kilsby, the coach said: "He’s such a well-rounded man now; I can’t call him a lad any more because he conducts himself really well around the place.

“He speaks to people well and he’s very mature. His mum and dad should be really proud of him because he’s worked really hard.

“He was released by Newcastle at the age of 14, which is his home-town club. I think him and his family still have season tickets, so that will have been a big knock for him.

“For him to come here and work the way he has at under-15 level has shown the sort of person he is. He’s worked hard and ended up with a pro contract, so I’m delighted for him.”

READ MORE: Paul Simpson: Why Carlisle United won't be running a regular reserve team next season