Carlisle United manager Paul Simpson has suggested Workington Reds may have to wait to seal loan moves for some of the Blues’ youngsters.

The Borough Park club hope to wrap up temporary moves for some of United’s teenage prospects ahead of the new campaign.

But Simpson said he currently wants players such as Sam Hetherington, Jake Allan and Aran Fitzpatrick around his senior squad.

The trio were not involved at Rochdale on Saturday, with Simpson preferring to give the trio more game time for the under-18s in their friendly at Milnthorpe.

They look set to come back into the first-team squad for Tuesday’s trip to Gateshead.

Reds boss Mark Fell has said there is an “agreement in principle” for “a couple” of United’s young players to join on loan. Hetherington, Allan and Fitzpatrick all spent time on loan at Workington last season.

Asked if that was set to happen again, Simpson told the News & Star: “There's a possibility.

“We need them around us at the moment. We thought maybe they might go out after St Andrews [United’s recent training camp], but that's not the right thing to do, and they're all playing an important part to make sure that we manage the group.

Jake Allan, centre, was one of several United youngsters to spend time on loan at Workington last seasonJake Allan, centre, was one of several United youngsters to spend time on loan at Workington last season (Image: Ben Holmes)

“There's no point in letting them go and other lads are getting overloaded at this stage, so they'll be with us until we think it's right.

“On the other hand, if we don't think it's right, they'll stay with us and we'll keep them for as long as we need them to be here.”

Like United, Workington start their Northern Premier League Premier Division season on August 10.

Hetherington, Allan and Fitzpatrick are on third-year scholarship deals with United. Hetherington scored the youth team's third goal in their 3-0 win at Milnthorpe, Dan Hopper and Jonah Lowes also on target.

Another teenager, 17-year-old Freddie O’Donoghue, remained with the first team at Rochdale. The second-year youth team forward came off the bench in the second half of Carlisle’s 2-1 defeat.