Teenage Carlisle United prospect Liam McCarron admits his breakthrough season has come as a shock.

McCarron, from Appleby, came off the bench in United’s 3-2 win over Mansfield to make his 10th appearance, having been handed his first senior outing in the Checkatrade Trophy against Morecambe in September.

"It’s all come as a shock, really. But I’m just going to keep doing what I’m doing and, hopefully, I can get more appearances every week," the 17-year-old said.

McCarron came close to getting his opening first-team goal in stoppage-time, only to be denied by away keeper Conrad Logan, watched by the 4,563-strong crowd at Brunton Park on Saturday.

The Cumbrian admitted it is great to have the support of the Blues faithful.

"It’s always good to have the crowd backing you," he said.

"Hopefully, one day, I will get my first goal."

And McCarron says having had the backing of Carlisle’s senior management team has helped his game.

He added: "It brings me loads of confidence.

"Hopefully, they keep believing in me to do the job."