A former Carlisle United striker fired his club to victory in their Champions League qualifier on Tuesday.

Brad Young was a two-goal hero for Welsh champions The New Saints as they got the better of FK Dečić.

His brace featured in a 3-0 first-leg victory for TNS against their Montenegrin opponents in the first qualifying round in Oswestry.

Young, who was on loan from Aston Villa at Carlisle in the 2021/22 season, headed home a fourth-minute opener before nodding in another on 28 minutes, the goal allowed to stand after a VAR check.

A Danny Davies goal followed before the break to give the JD Cymru Premier champions a strong advantage before next Tuesday's second leg in Podgorica.

Young was one of two ex-Blues involved in the tie, with midfielder Danny Redmond - who was on loan at Graham Kavanagh's United from Wigan Athletic in the 2013/14 campaign - also starting for Craig Harrison's side.

TNS are hoping to reach the second qualifying round for the first time since 2019, with the winners of the tie set to face Hungarian side Ferencvaros.

Young has been on their books since September 2023 and the 21-year-old has been a prolific scorer for the Welsh outfit.

He was signed by Chris Beech for Carlisle in August 2021 and made 20 appearances for the Blues, scoring three goals.

He went on to have a loan spell at Ayr United before being released by Villa and eventually heading to Wales.