First-team prospects to bolster Carlisle United's side in FA Youth Cup tie against Fleetwood Town

The teenage duo, who have been in the senior squad recently, will be key members of Mark Birch’s under-18 side against Fleetwood Town (Brunton Park, 7pm).

The first round tie sees the young Blues bid to make progress in youth football’s top knockout competition.

Tonight's winners will book a second round trip to either Harrogate Town or Stockport County.

Both Bollado and Carr were on the bench for Simpson’s side at Tranmere Rovers in League Two on Saturday.

But despite injury-hit United’s shortage of first-team numbers, Simpson said he has no hesitation in allowing Bollado and Carr to feature tonight.

“They’re allowed to play, without a doubt,” Simpson said.

“I think the FA Youth Cup is a really important part of the development for youth players.

“If they’re fit they will be involved in the game.

Bollado, second left, was in the first-team squad on Saturday (Image: Richard Parkes)

“[Now the Tranmere game is out of the way], whatever preparation the youth team need for [tonight], they’ll be part of Mark Birch’s group.

“Once they deal with that, if I need them for the following weekend they’ll come back to us for the rest of the week.

“The first thing is to get them involved for the Youth Cup. It’s a really big thing for them to be involved in it.”

Bollado has made three senior appearances this season with Carr getting one first-team outing.

United's game against Fleetwood under the lights at Brunton Park comes amid a bright start to the season by Birch’s side in the EFL Youth Alliance North West Division.

Carlisle’s under-18s are third in the table after winning five and losing two of their opening seven games.

But they face a tough test against table-topping Fleetwood, who are unbeaten in the league so far.

The young Cods beat Oldham Athletic 5-2 on Saturday.

Simpson says he will be at Brunton Park to watch the game and says it promises to be a good occasion – and a big opportunity to impress for United’s youngsters.

“It’s brilliant, a great night for them,” he said.

“I still remember my FA Youth Cup days – they weren’t great games, it was probably better in the Lancashire Youth Cup which we managed to win twice. In the FA Youth Cup we were quite poor [for Manchester] City, we lost against Leeds who had a right good side, and against Barnsley.

“But it’s a brilliant night for young players, and it’s why I’m delighted they’re playing on Brunton Park.

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“It’s where it should be played. That’s great for them. I hope we get a good turnout for them.

“I’ll certainly be there, I hope some of the first team players will be there to support, it, and hopefully they can go and perform and get through to the next round.”

United are hoping to go further than last season, when they lost out in the first round to Oldham Athletic through a penalty shootout after a dramatic 4-4 draw.

Entry tonight is £3 for over-18s and £1 for under-18s. Tickets are available from 6pm from the west stand ticket office, with the Glass Bar also open from 6pm.