Teenage prospect Freddie O’Donoghue has been urged to build on his first senior Carlisle United league appearance.

The 17-year-old youth team forward made his first-team league debut as a late substitute in Saturday’s 3-2 defeat to Fleetwood Town.

O’Donoghue was handed his chance late in the game by caretakers Steven Rudd, Mark Birch and Jamie Devitt.

The Isle of Man teenager came on for Aaron Hayden in the 89th minute as Carlisle chased an added-time equaliser.

O’Donoghue has been around the first-team squad this season after impressing in some pre-season senior outings.

Academy manager Rudd said the young forward deserved his chance but must now do everything he can to earn more opportunities.

“Freddie does well when he's in and around that group, but he has to now demand more of himself, and earn the right for his next one,” said Rudd.

“We just put him on thinking he might have a moment, hoping he can create something or get on the end of something.

“It wasn’t to be, but Freddie's a good footballer and as long as he keeps his standards high and keeps working hard, hopefully that'll be the start of many.

“They're not going to be given out, he has to earn it – and then hopefully he gets more appearances.”

O'Donoghue made his first-team debut against Nottm Forest U21 in the Bristol Street Motors TrophyO'Donoghue made his first-team debut against Nottm Forest U21 in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy (Image: Richard Parkes)

O’Donoghue is in the second year of his youth team scholarship at Brunton Park.

His professional debut came as a substitute in United’s recent Bristol Street Motors Trophy defeat to Nottingham Forest Under-21s.

He joined United after playing for Manx side Peel AFC and has been developing in Birch’s under-18 side at Brunton Park.

O’Donoghue was on the scoresheet for United’s first team in their first pre-season friendly against Penrith.

He has been on the bench for the Blues’ last three league games – against Tranmere Rovers, Bradford and Fleetwood, with injuries to senior strikers such as Georgie Kelly and Daniel Adu-Adjei opening the door to the youngster.

He is the third teenager to be handed a first-team debut by United's caretakers, with Jake Allan and Sam Hetherington also featuring against Forest Under-21s and Allan also scoring his first senior goal.