Steven Pressley is again likely to give opportunities to squad players as Carlisle United bid to advance in the Leasing.com Trophy tonight.

Only victory at Morecambe (Globe Arena, 7.45pm) will take United through northern group G in the controversial competition.

Manager Pressley said: “I’d like to give quite a number of players the opportunity. But that doesn’t mean we’re not going there to win.”

The game could see the likes of Canice Carroll, Elias Sorensen, Ryan Loft and Louis Gray involved. Christie Elliott is also close to a return after having an injection in his ankle.

Morecambe are under new boss Derek Adams, who was recently appointed successor to Jim Bentley.

A draw tonight would see both teams eliminated, but they would still have to take part in a penalty shoot-out which offers an extra point. If Carlisle win that they would miss out on second place in the group to Wolves under-21s on goal difference.

The Shrimps cannot qualify even if they win over 90 minutes.

Pressley said he will also weigh up giving teenage defender Jarrad Branthwaite another outing in the competition even though he has pushed his way into his regular league XI.

“He will certainly be considered,” Pressley said. “The more experience he gets and the more football he plays the better.

“Our attitude has been excellent in this competition and we want to progress.”