Last updated at 16:35, Thursday, 07 February 2013

Captain Lee Miller today insisted that Carlisle United’s talented kids won’t be allowed to be distracted by hype and headlines.

David Symington, left and Mark Beck

Teenagers Brad Potts, Dave Symington and Mark Beck have all taken their turns in the spotlight for the Blues this season. But Miller said it is crucial that they don’t get their heads turned by all the attention.

Miller says he and his experienced colleagues have a duty to keep the youngsters on the straight and narrow.

Miller said: “A few of the young boys here will get noticed and have got the potential to go a long way.

“There’s a good few experienced pros in the dressing room who will keep their feet on the ground, if they do believe in any hype or start to act big-time.

“They are going to get criticism as well as plaudits for their performances, and they’ve got to know how to take it. We have to help them and nurture them on, and that’s what we’re doing.”

The teenagers have been the subject of increased attention recently, with scouts and managers from the top two divisions taking a close interest in their progress.

Potts has earned England Under-19 honours – he is on standby for the current squad – and Symington has attracted plaudits for his stunning long-range goals.

Along with Beck they have all gained experience by starting games for the Blues, though none were in the line-up for last weekend’s win at Tranmere.

Manager Greg Abbott believes it is the correct approach not to rely too heavily on the youngsters too early in their development, and he could name an unchanged team for this Saturday’s home clash with Stevenage.

Miller, meanwhile, reckons the products of Eric Kinder’s youth team have the right mentality to continue improving and eventually become first-team regulars.

“I think they will keep their feet on the ground, because they are level-headed kids with nothing big-time about them,” the striker added. “They are getting that grounding at Carlisle.”

First published at 16:29, Thursday, 07 February 2013
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk