Carlisle United host Blackburn Rovers in Central League Cup

The Blues are in reserve action when they take on Blackburn Rovers in the Central League Cup (kick-off 2pm).

The second-string game will see new head coach Williamson and his new Blues backroom staff overseeing things at the ground for the first time.

United are expected to field a mixture of first-team squad players and youth players against young opposition from the Championship.

“There will be a blend of young lads and maybe one or two first-team players,” Williamson said.

Players likely to figure include those who have been on the fringe of the first-team in the early stages of the season.

The likes of Jack Ellis and Anton Dudik could be among the professionals involved, with keepers Gabe Breeze and Jude Smith also in contention.

Freddie O'Donoghue, centre, could get another chance to impress today (Image: Richard Parkes)

Harrison Neal, left out of the starting XI for the last two games, could also be in the frame to play, with young players such as Sam Hetherington and Freddie O’Donoghue candidates for involvement.

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On who will lead things from a coaching perspective, Williamson said: “I think it'll just be a combination.

“I think we'll all be there. Obviously, we want to work with all the young lads and everyone there and develop them.

“But I think on the side, there'll be a good combination of us and the guys in the academy.”

This afternoon’s game is United’s first in Group A of this season’s Central League Cup, a group in which they will also take on Barrow, Burnley and Morecambe.

The cup involves 18 clubs in total, with the winners of each of the four groups progressing to the semi-finals.

Blackburn’s Under-23s are coached by former Manchester City, Stoke City and Barnsley striker Mike Sheron.

Entry this afternoon is £2. United say their Community Sports Trust will receive £1 from every ticket sold. Fans can watch the game from B Stand.