Carlisle United boss Paul Simpson is closer to decisions on loaning out some of his young players.

Teenage prospects such as Sam Hetherington, Jake Allan and Aran Fitzpatrick could be in the mix for temporary moves.

Fitzpatrick is still nursing a knock while Hetherington was not included in Saturday’s squad to face Stockport County.

Allan was in United’s matchday numbers while the trio have been involved in a number of first-team friendlies.

Simpson suggested the time was approaching when a decision on their short-term future would be made, with Workington Reds hoping to take some of the teenagers on loan.

Of the 18-year-olds not involved on Saturday, United’s boss said: “Fitz is still struggling with this lump on his hamstring.

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“The lump has actually gone down, [and] the bruising's come out so he's still very sore.

Jake Allan, left, could also be loaned out by the BluesJake Allan, left, could also be loaned out by the Blues (Image: Ben Holmes)

“We left Sam out of it just because we didn't feel the need to have that extra body.

“I wasn't happy with the number of people that were in and around the group on Tuesday night [at Gateshead].

“There were too many. It became a bit of a free-for-all. So, coming into this [Stockport] game, I said, ‘This is for real now – it’s not everybody comes along and is part of it’.

“We're really focusing now on a group of players who we think will go into next week.

“That's no slant on Sam. If I'm honest, if Taylor Charters had been fit, Jake Allan wasn't going to be involved [on Saturday].

“But when Taylor was withdrawn the day before, I just felt we needed that extra body on there.

“We'll see what happens this week. It may be that we feel it's time that one of them or both of them can go out on loan. But we'll just assess how everybody is after [Saturday].”

Workington boss Mark Fell has said the Reds have an agreement in principle to take some of United’s youngsters.

The Borough Park chief will be keen to have the United teenagers in his ranks as Reds prepare for the start of their own season.

They go to Guiseley on the opening day of the Northern Premier League Premier Division campaign this weekend.