Paul Simpson says teenager Max Kilsby’s versatility stands him in good stead as he embarks on his professional career.

The young defender was offered his first professional deal with Carlisle United at the end of the season.

It follows an impressive two years in the Cumbrians’ under-18 side.

And manager Simpson has urged Kilsby to make the most of his opportunity in the senior set-up next season.

“He’s done well when I’ve seen him, and I’ve taken a view off [under-18s manager] Mark Birch,” said Simpson of the decision to award Kilsby pro terms.

“He’s left-sided, which are hard to find, he can play left wing-back, left centre-back, possibly even go into midfield, so he gives us a few options.”

Kilsby joins a number of fellow home-grown teenagers in the professional ranks next season.

Defender Jack Ellis, who broke into the first team in recent weeks, will be part of the first-team squad, along with striker Sam Fishburn and goalkeepers Scott Simons and Gabriel Breeze.

Simpson says some of the promising group could be sent out on loan in 2022/23 to gain first-team experience.

But he said they will all get their chance to impress in United’s programme of pre-season games.

“This is the start of the journey for him [Kilsby],” the Carlisle manager said.

“Getting a scholarship’s one, the next is getting a pro contract, and then that’s when the work really starts because he’s now in the big game and he’s now got to go and show us he deserves to be part of our first team group.

“We’ve had five out of this year with the two keepers, Sam, Jack and Max.

“That’s quite a lot to take out of a one year group, so let’s hope we’ve made the right decision.

“We’ll have a look at them over this year and see how they develop.

“Whether they’re involved with us or we look to get them out on loan remains to be seen, but they’ll start pre-season and it’s up to them to show they deserve to be involved in it as opposed to older pros.”

Kilsby was named on the bench for United's last game of the season at Bradford City along with fellow youth player Ryan Carr, while Ellis started the game.

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