Three of Carlisle United's top teenage talents have been handed professional deals.

Striker Sam Fishburn and goalkeepers Gabriel Breeze and Scott Simons, all 17, have been given two-year senior terms by the club.

The second-year youth teamers are regarded as some of the Blues' most promising young players.

And United have now moved to tie them to the club until the summer of 2023, with a further one-year option, after recent talks.

Striker Fishburn enjoyed a prolific season after the north-east native joined the club last year.

Home-grown Cumbrian goalkeepers Breeze and Simons have also impressed with the under-18 side.

Both Fishburn and Breeze stepped up to the first-team bench last season.

The three will continue their scholarship education commitments under the Elite Player Performance Plan system over the coming season.

But they also now have the chance to step up and be part of Chris Beech's senior squad.

The news follows claims from director of football David Holdsworth that United have some of the most promising young players in the country.

He also told the News & Star that some of Carlisle's young players had been attracting interest from other clubs.

The deals are an attempt to safeguard three highly-regarded young assets - and give them the chance to progress to the first-team at Brunton Park.

Head coach Beech, meanwhile, said today's three deals showed that United had a "clear pathway" from their academy.

“It’s something we did very well at my last club [Rochdale] and I think it’s extremely important for clubs like ours," he said.

"The fact that we’re doing it consistently is something that should be celebrated."

Beech said the coaches who have worked with Breeze, Simons and Fishburn should be commended for their work.

“All three lads have been reminded that this is just the beginning,” he added.

“They’ve got their first professional contracts and now it’s about reaching the new start line of making a difference. That means they’ve got to work hard so that they can make that difference by getting in our team."

Holdsworth said he was delighted for the three players and their families and said their hard work was being rewarded.

“I said when I first came here that we wanted to instil a sense of identity, and producing good young players from our academy is a big part of that," he said.

"It shows us that we’ve got the right people in the right positions and that we’re identifying the right types of players to take the journey with us.

“This is another crop of young men the fans can be enthused by.

“It’s very good business and I’m delighted all three are on long-term deals."

Under-18 boss Mark Birch added: “It’s good for the club, it’s good for the area, and it’s nice for the coaches who work in the academy to see this happen. Everybody has played their part at some point.

“The manager has already said that they’ll now get the chance to train with his group. Within our club the most important thing is the first team.

“I’m delighted for all three of them. Well done to them for their achievement, and they all understand completely that this is just the beginning. We’re here to help and advise, but it’s up to them to carry it on.”

The trio join fellow home-grown players Taylor Charters, Josh Dixon, Lewis Bell and Keelan Leslie in this season's professional ranks.

Breeze and Simons will also work under the guidance of newly-appointed goalkeeping coach Dan Hanford.