Stoke City boss Schumacher on victory over Carlisle United

The Championship side included a number of teenage prospects as they won 2-0 at Brunton Park in the Carabao Cup first round.

And former Carlisle loan player Schumacher said his youngsters rose impressively to the challenge at Brunton Park.

"I'm glad that we're through. We wanted to progress in the tournament, and I'm pleased with how we performed," said the Stoke boss via his club's official channels.

"We told the lads that this wasn't going to be an easy game.

"Carlisle, with how they played at Gillingham, and how they like to play, [are] really direct, physically, with good centre-forwards who know the leagues, especially Charlie Wyke.

"We told the young players in particular to embrace the challenge - it's going to be a good night for you if you stand up to it and deal with what's going to come.

"We managed that. Carlisle played well in the first half but as the game wore on we took more control of it."

Stoke got the better of United in the second half (Image: Ben Holmes)

Freddie Anderson, 17, headed Stoke's opener on his senior debut and another home-grown prospect, Emre Tegzel, 18, came off the bench to score the second.

"The young players were brilliant. It shows the faith we've got in them. It's really pleasing for everyone involved in the academy," added Schumacher.

The man who played on loan for the Blues in the 2003/04 season admitted Anderson's goal at the Waterworks End brought back memories of his own first senior strike.

"My first [career] goal was here, it was at the same end, for Carlisle [against Huddersfield Town in November 2003]," Schumacher said.

"I was 19, so it's not too dissimilar.

"It's a moment you never forget so I'm sure Freddie will be the same, especially in front of our away fans."