Gavin Skelton says three youth team players have done their cause no harm at all with their bright displays in Carlisle United’s first friendly.

Manager Paul Simpson handed opportunities to Kai Nugent, Nic Bollado and Ryan Carr in the 5-1 win against Penrith.

Bollado got on the scoresheet with an impressive finish while Nugent and Carr also caught the eye in either half.

The trio of teenagers took their chance among senior colleagues and are likely to be involved in further pre-season games under Simpson.

READ MORE: What did we learn from Carlisle United's pre-season friendly against Penrith AFC?

Assistant boss Skelton said their displays could not be ignored.

“I thought they were excellent,” he said.

“Their enthusiasm, drive and hunger to play was really impressive.

“They did really well in front of the manager.”

Skelton also believes the first-team impact of teenage defender Jack Ellis towards the end of last season had also shown the way.

News and Star: Jack Ellis, rightJack Ellis, right

Former youth team captain Ellis impressed in games against Stevenage and Bradford City.

He is now very much in the first-team mix as United continue preparations for the 2022/23 season. He featured at Penrith along with fellow first-year pro defender Max Kilsby.

Skelton said the way Staveley youngster Ellis stepped up last term is a great example to others in the United youth ranks.

“I think it showed with Jack Ellis,” he said.

“If you perform with that hunger and desire to run and wear the shirt, which they did, it puts them in good stead.

“I thought they performed really well.”

United are now building up to their second friendly at Kendal Town on Wednesday night.

Simpson is again likely to hand players 45 minutes apiece.

The manager was also due for discussions about the three trialists who featured at Penrith.

Carlisle will also hope some of the five players who missed the Penrith game as a precaution after training ground knocks will be able to feature at Kendal.

The five are Tristan Abrahams, Jamie Devitt, Sam Fishburn, Taylor Charters and new signing Sonny Hilton.

Owen Moxon was also substituted at Penrith as a precaution.