Teenage Carlisle United striker Sam Fishburn has made a non-league loan move to gain first-team experience.

The 17-year-old Blues youth product has joined Lancaster City in a youth loan deal until January.

It will hand the young striker the chance of senior action in the Northern Premier League Premier Division.

Lancaster, who play at the Giant Axe, were scheduled to be one of United's pre-season opponents this summer before the Blues cancelled the friendly because of injuries.

They are a former club of United defender Jack Armer, who gained valuable first-team experience with the Dolly Blues when on loan there from Preston in the 2019/20 season.

Fishburn was recently handed a professional deal by Carlisle after an impressive goalscoring campaign with the Under-18s last season.

The north east native has been on the bench for the first team this season after featuring in a number of pre-season games.

But the arrival of Aston Villa loan striker Brad Young - and the impending return to fitness of Zach Clough - means United have decided Fishburn is now best served by a non-league loan.

United head coach Chris Beech told the club website of the Lancaster move: “I think he’s moved beyond youth football and is in the process of making that transition to the men’s game.

“Lancaster have a good set up and play at a decent level.

“Sam will continue to train with us during the week. For this phase of his career it will allow us to concentrate on developing his speed work as well as his technical and tactical capabilities.

"This is a good indicator as to where he’s at today and I look forward to seeing him adapt to his new environment, and begin scoring goals.”

Lancaster said Fishburn's arrival is welcome after they lost frontmen Tom Kilifin and David Norris to injury recently.

The Dolly Blues are in league action at Witton Albion tonight.