Chris Beech has revealed details of the 72-hour whirlwind which eventually saw Aston Villa’s Brad Young join Carlisle United.

The 18-year-old striker signed on loan for the Blues on Monday and made his debut at Port Vale the following night.

It followed a hectic period in which the Cumbrians finally got the young forward onto their books.

Head coach Beech said: “He’s had a real strange week for a young person.

“It was Saturday/Sunday when we could confirm he was coming to Carlisle. But on Friday he’s playing against Nottingham Forest, and scores two goals in the Under-23s.

“He was then due to play for Aston Villa and be part of the squad that went to Anfield on Sunday [in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Liverpool].

“He wasn’t, because we ended up getting to the point that we could in terms of getting him here.

“Then he’s in a car with his agent trying to be able to sign on before 12pm on Monday, because if you don’t do it by then you can’t be available for the Tuesday.

“That deal was done at 11.59am. That’s when it confirmed. So it was touch and go whether he could [play at Port Vale]. He got up at 6am to be here for that on the Monday.

“As a young lad there’s a lot of nervous tension around, especially with his agent, meeting myself for the first time.

“For the first time in his life he’s living away from home too. I actually rang him at 9 o’clock to see how he was.

“He said, ‘Gaffer, I’ve just rung up my mum to see how I turn the oven on, I’m trying to cook myself some fish and noodles…’

“I’m not sure how that tasted or went down, but these are the things young lads have to go through.

“The next day he’s on our team bus going down to Port Vale and makes his debut in front of 5,000 people.

“What a few days that is for an 18-year-old.

“I have no doubt that once that settles down we will see more of what Brad may offer us.”

Young came off the bench in the second half at Vale, and will be hoping to make his home debut when the Blues face Leyton Orient tomorrow.

Beech said he was impressed with the way Young showed his competitive edge in a challenge with Vale’s experienced centre-half Leon Legge.

United hope the FA Youth Cup winner can make a positive impact on their attack in 2021/22.

Beech added: “He’s tenacious, he’s young, so while I want more, I’ve got to extend that opportunity for him to learn as well.”