St Mirren assistant manager Diarmuid O'Carroll has described Carlisle United as a "top side" who will do well in League Two next season.

O'Carroll was speaking after the Saints and the Blues played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in Friday's pre-season friendly.

Stephen Robinson's No2 felt the home side got plenty out of the exercise against the Cumbrians in a well-contested game.

Carlisle led through Harrison Neal before goals from Toyosi Olusanya and James Scott put the Buddies ahead, Terell Thomas then heading a late leveller for Paul Simpson's visitors.

O'Carroll, speaking to his club's media outlets, said: "In the first half I think we can be sharper, press more and move the ball quicker, but that's what you get in pre-season.

"Credit to Carlisle - they're a top side, they'll do really well in League Two next year. Good budget, very good players.

"So it was a good test."

READ MORE: Paul Simpson encouraged by Blues' display at St Mirren

It was St Mirren's final pre-season test before they head to Iceland for Europa Conference League action next week.

Toyosi Olusanya headed St Mirren level early in the second halfToyosi Olusanya headed St Mirren level early in the second half (Image: Ben Holmes)

The Scottish Premiership club take on Valur in Thursday's second qualifying round first leg.

Speaking after Friday's game at the SMiSA Stadium, O'Carroll added: "Like everything in pre-season, it's a fitness exercise.

"First and foremost we're building towards next week. It's a massive game.

"Pretty much everyone got on the pitch and got some minutes, besides Alex [Iacovitti] coming off with a knock."

United were the second English League One side the Saints have faced in recent weeks, Robinson's side also drawing with Fleetwood Town 2-2.

"We've picked tough friendlies for a reason," O'Carroll added.

"It's been a good pre-season. We've worked hard, it's a small squad but there's a lot of excitement - they deserve it.

"This is what they worked so hard for last year and what the fans have looked forward to for many years, so please God we can go there [to Valur] and do ourselves justice."