Chris Beech admits keeper Lukas Jensen is putting plenty of pressure on Carlisle United No1 Magnus Norman.

While Norman has started all the Blues’ league games so far, Burnley loan man Jensen is pushing hard for his place.

Beech says there is little to choose between the two goalkeepers and says the competition for the first-choice position is what United need.

The head coach decline to give Jensen an outing for the reserves in midweek, preferring to take a look at teenage keeper Scott Simons.

And Beech said: “Lukas did well against Hartlepool [in the Papa John’s Trophy], and with his penalty saves as well.

“He’s definitely looking more aligned to playing and playing first-team football.

“I think there’s not too much between him and Magnus, and it’s great competition having players of similar age, physicality and capability.

“If Lukas cracks on it definitely applies pressure on Magnus.”

Norman is set to start against Scunthorpe tomorrow, while Beech said it had been useful to assess youngster Simons in the second-string game against Fleetwood on Tuesday.

The head coach said: “We could have played Lukas but he played the last time we played behind closed doors, so it’s good for Scott to play.

“It was interesting seeing him [Simons] responding to me when I wanted to speed the game up.

“He’s got to meet that demand to be able to go on and play first-team football.

“It’s all great learning for the lads, especially younger players. I was pretty pleased with the younger ones [on Tuesday].”