Carlisle United youth boss Eric Kinder admitted the large number of players who earned a pro deal this year – after coming through the academy – is a real boost to the next generation.

Kinder said it gave a lift to everyone in the Blues' Academy system and admitted that he used Jarrad Branthwaite, now with Everton, as an example.

“Getting six through is a huge amount for a club this size,” he told the club website.

“The club supported the youth side when I was here the first time and it’s the same now.

"All six of them have got a long way to go, and I think they all know that.

"They know they haven’t made it yet, they’ve just moved from the youth team ladder to the pro ladder, which is even harder.

"They’ll all always be welcome in our office if they need any advice and I’m looking forward to seeing how they get on.

“As youth players coming into the club these young lads have got to look at the players we’ve had here recently and see what’s there for them, if they work hard and do it properly.

“They’re all bright enough to understand that they’ll get a chance if they’re good enough, because age doesn’t matter here. We had a lot of second years involved in a lot of match day squads last season.

“Jarrad [Branthwaite] was 16 when he made his debut, and now he’s on a Premier League bench, which is just incredible."