Paul Simpson has urged Carlisle United’s rising stars to seize the moment in the FA Youth Cup tonight.

The young Blues take on Barnsley at Brunton Park in the first round of youth football’s top cup competition.

Mark Birch’s Under-18 side face the young Tykes under the floodlights at United’s ground.

Manager Simpson will be in attendance and hopes Carlisle’s teenagers can rise to the occasion.

“I’ll be there at the game to go and watch them, and I hope they go and embrace it because it’s a really good competition for youth team players,” said Simpson.

“It’s on our ground, Barnsley are a good side, it’s going to be a tough game but hopefully they can rise to the challenge.”

Carlisle’s youngsters head into the game on the back of an impressive win at the weekend.

News and Star: Romeo Park, who scored for United's first team in pre-season, could be a key player tonightRomeo Park, who scored for United's first team in pre-season, could be a key player tonight (Image: Barbara Abbott)

Birch’s young guns defeated Salford City 6-2 on Saturday morning and United sit eighth in their Youth Alliance table.

Among the young prospects set to feature include Romeo Park, who scored for the first team in pre-season, with others such as Jake Allan, Aran Fitzpatrick, Will Maddison, Robbie Swinburn and Sam Hetherington having featured for the reserves in recent weeks.

Swinburn and Hetherington scored two goals each in Saturday’s win with Dan Hopper also among the scorers.

Barnsley also head into the tie in good form having enjoyed a 4-1 win against Crewe Alexandra on Saturday.

Emmaisa Nzondo could be one to watch tonight having struck a hat-trick for the Yorkshire side, Luke Alker also on target.

United are opening B Stand for supporters at Brunton Park tonight, with entry £3 for over-18s and £2 for under-18s.

Tickets can be bought online or from the west side ticket office from 5pm.

The Glass Bar at Brunton Park will be open ahead of kick-off.