Carlisle United on Max Kilsby's Queen of the South loan

The left-sided Carlisle United prospect is starting life at Queen of the South in a deal until the end of the season.

Kilsby began as a substitute for the Doonhamers in their Scottish League One defeat to Hamilton Academical on Saturday.

The 20-year-old’s stint in Dumfries follows successive spells with Peter Murphy’s Annan Athletic in Leagues One and Two.

United manager Simpson feels academy product Kilsby will benefit from being part of Queens’ full-time set-up under manager Marvin Bartley, the former Bournemouth and Burnley star.

“It’s all part of his development,” said Simpson.

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“And he's part of a team now that's competing at the top end of that league. So we'll see how he goes.

“It's a change for him, we'll see how he develops, because they’ll be training every day rather than part time with Annan.

“So it's another test for him.

Kilsby had positive loan spells at Annan before his move to their League One rivals (Image: Joe Saunders)

“We’ll keep watching him while he’s up there, if he gets the opportunity to play, and we'll see how he keeps developing.

“I just felt it was important for him to keep playing because he's a little bit down the line of getting into our team.”

Kilsby is one of two young United professionals out on loan, with Kai Nugent at Annan for the season.

Carlisle also have four youth team players on work experience loans in non-league.

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Sam Hetherington and Jake Allan are with Danny Grainger’s Workington Reds in the Northern Premier League Premier Division.

And Romeo Park and Jacob Barry are with in-form Carlisle City in Northern League Division One.

Queens boss Bartley, upon signing Kilsby on deadline day, said: “Max is young but is highly rated and has been very impressive at both ends of the park during his time at Annan and played a huge part in them achieving promotion.

"He is predominately a defender but can play in various different positions which is a real benefit to us.

"Carlisle sent him out on loan to help with his development and have been delighted with his progress. I am looking forward to working with him and hope we can continue building his career in a full-time environment.”