Former Carlisle United top scorer Harry McKirdy made a surprise outing for Leicester's Under-23s - but came off second best to the opposition's Cumbrian connections.

McKirdy, out of favour at Port Vale, was in the Foxes side that went down to a 6-1 defeat to Manchester City's Under-23s.

He played 66 minutes in the Premier League 2 fixture but was unable to find a way past Man City's Cumbrian keeper James Trafford - the former Carlisle academy player who is from Greysouthen near Cockermouth.

Also impressing for Man City was striker Liam Delap, son of former Blues favourite Rory. He helped himself to two goals in his side's emphatic win.

McKirdy, 23, enjoyed a few chances in his time on the pitch in the game played at Leicester's training ground.

According to the home club's official report, the forward shot just past the post early on and in the second half.

The former Carlisle player also saw a shot saved by 18-year-old Trafford, who went on to deny Will Russ and Cole Dasilva.

McKirdy, eventually replaced by Oliver Ewing, was recently left out of Port Vale's registered squad for the rest of the season along with two other players.

The Vale Park club said the decision was made to help them comply with salary cap rules.

The ex-Aston Villa player has made nine first-team appearances for the Valiants, scoring two goals, after joining them following his Blues release in the summer.

He hit 11 goals in 38 United outings in the 2019/20 season.