Published at 11:02, Friday, 03 August 2012

Matty Robson today saluted the rise of Carlisle United’s young guns – and said they have every right to be in the first-team frame.

Matty Robson

Brad Potts, Mark Beck and Dave Symington have caught the eye with their pre-season form and are pushing their case to be involved when competitive action starts.

And Robson, who is about to embark on his fourth season with the Blues, says boss Greg Abbott cannot fail to have been impressed with the teenage tyros.

Versatile Potts has emerged as a contender for the right-back position with striker Beck and winger Symington also in the frame for roles.

Robson said: “With the size of squad we have, these lads have every right to push and they have come through well. Brad the other night against St Mirren was absolutely terrific. It looked like he belonged there and had played there for a while.

“He’s a very competent footballer, very composed on the ball and very assured. It’s now just getting the confidence to do it week-in, week-out, and getting used to the vocal side of it, which is a big part of a defender’s game.”

Robson said Beck’s goals and Symington’s enthusiasm had also been striking features of United’s programme of friendlies so far and said they will improve further with regular involvement with senior players.

The youngsters are hoping to be involved in the Blues’ final home friendly against Middlesbrough tonight.

“It’s great that they have come through,” Robson added. “They are all desperate to impress and it can only benefit the team and the boys themselves.”

A fourth youth-team graduate, Josh Todd, is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Robson himself is so far unclear on his own role in the Blues’ side in 2012/13, having been used in a more advanced role in Carlisle’s friendlies.

The ex-Hartlepool man was United’s regular left-back last term but with Abbott signing trialist Alessio Bugno, Robson could be restored to the attacking position he occupied when he first signed in 2009.

“As long as I’m playing, I don’t mind,” said Robson, who set up Lee Miller’s winner in last Friday’s 1-0 win against St Mirren.

“He [Abbott] knows I can do a job in both areas. I don’t know what his thinking is for the longer-term, but if I’m involved in the first game I will play where I’m told and we’ll take it from there.”

Robson is confident the Blues can rise to the challenge against Tony Mowbray’s Championship visitors and continue their encouraging preparations for the new campaign.

“Hopefully the fans who saw us against St Mirren will pass the word around, we can get more in and it will be a good, entertaining game,” he added.

“I’m sure they’ll bring a good team up but if we can continue the way we have been going, we can cause them problems and there’s no reason why we can’t get another positive result.

“Although it is a long season, the first game is what you want to be involved in at this stage and it is certainly my goal.”

Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk