Carlisle United skipper Callum Guy keen to be a mentor for home-grown stars

The Blues have a host of home-grown players hoping to make their mark in 2021/22.

And midfielder Guy, who has been appointed the Cumbrians’ new captain, says he will give the young prospects as much help as he can.

“I want to be there for the young players because we’ve all been young lads breaking through,” he said.

“Sometimes you need somebody to go and speak to. If they ever need me I’ll be there to talk to them.”

Guy will be involved in today's friendly at Workington, along with former Derby keeper George Sykes-Kenworthy, who will play in the game along with fellow trialist Manasse Mampala.

United are sending two squads of 14 to Borough Park and also Hebburn Town today, with Rod McDonald back from injury for the former game and Brennan Dickinson the latter, but Magnus Norman and Keelan Leslie still out.

While Guy, at 24, is now the dressing room figurehead at Brunton Park, a number of young prospects are hoping to press their claims in pre-season.

Young pros Taylor Charters, Josh Dixon and Lewis Bell have all featured for the first team, while United recently handed pro deals to 17-year-old keepers Gabe Breeze and Scott Simons plus striker Sam Fishburn.

With two youth defenders, Max Kilsby and Jack Ellis, featuring with the senior side in pre-season already - both are again involved at Hebburn today - Guy says the future can be bright if those promising players keep taking their chances.

Jack Ellis (photo: Barbara Abbott)

“Jack Ellis and Max Kilsby looked really good against Penrith,” the captain said.

“They didn’t look out of place when you consider it was their first game for the first team.

“There was Lewis Bell and Sam Fishburn who looked really sharp as well, and we also have Taylor Charters and Josh Dixon who have been with us for a while, but probably haven’t played as much as they would have liked, but they really put a marker down.

“This stage is huge for these lads because clubs with big squads make it tough for them to get involved, but when your focus is on minutes into the legs, as it is right now, it’s a great opportunity for them to showcase what they can do and the talent they have.

“I thought all of them did that the other night.

Guy believes United’s senior ranks in the squad are looking strong, while the midfield man is looking forward to the impact star forward Zach Clough could have on the Cumbrians’ campaign.

“He’s looked sharp ever since he’s come in and he’s had a good career up to date,” Guy said.

“He’s played at a top level and it’s really good to have him here.

“He offers something else, he’s a very technical player and he wants to be on the ball as much as possible. As we saw on Tuesday he scores and create goals so he could be a really important player for us.”

“The main core is here from last season, even though we lost a few very talented players,” Guy added. “The gaffer has more than replaced them with the lads he’s brought in.

“They’ve shown in the few weeks they’ve been here what they’re capable of, and two of them scored on Tuesday, which is important. We gained a lot of experience with being where we were last year, and then what happened, so that will stand us in good stead.”

Both games today kick off at 3pm.

Guy added of the Workington trip: “It will be another game to look forward to and another chance to get minutes into legs. Hopefully we’ll put in another good performance and win the game.”