Some of Carlisle City’s fringe players will get the chance to impress at Lower Breck, according to manager James Tose.

The Sky Blues will face the Liverpool-based side today (3pm kick-off) in a First Division Cup second round tie.

Tose’s defence is likely to have a makeshift look, with Michael Slack (groin) and Tyran Taylor (ankle) likely to miss out.

But the Sky Blues boss is hoping other players will view it as an opportunity to impress.

“We will probably give some of the [fringe] boys an opportunity to play with half an eye on Holker on Wednesday in the league,” Tose said.

“It might be a chance for us to rest a couple. It will be a makeshift defence but we are looking at it positivity as a chance for the other players to show what they are capable of.”

City will come into the match in second spot in the Hallmark Security League First Division North table and on the back of a 4-0 home success over AFC Liverpool last Saturday, in which Rob McCartney scored all four goals for the hosts.

“That is the second time Rob has scored four goals in a game recently, which is excellent,” said Tose.

“We have worked hard with him to get him into good goal-scoring areas.

“He scored two [on Saturday], gambling at the back post.

“Over the last two seasons, the majority of his goals have come from gambling in good areas.

“He has a bit to do with his general build-up play but you can’t fault his work-rate and desire.”

City’s manager was also pleased to keep a clean-sheet, their first since August.

After their midweek trip to Holker Old Boys, they are again on the road next Saturday, travelling to Shelley.