Carlisle United teenagers join Carlisle City on loan

Romeo Park and Jacob Barry have joined the Northern League Division One club on work experience deals, City last night confirmed.

The 18-year-old pair will aim to get valuable first-team experience with Jim Nichols' side.

Goalkeeper Barry and forward Park are in the second year of their youth team spell at United.

Attacker Park has been in the first-team squad this season, making the bench for the Bristol Street Motors Trophy game against Harrogate Town in November.

He also featured for the first team in pre-season, scoring in the Blues' friendly win at Gretna.

We're delighted to announce the signing of Jacob Barry and Romeo Park to the club on work experience loans from @officialcufc Massive thanks to United for their help with this pic.twitter.com/zRefjKx0UK

— Carlisle City FC Official (@CarlisleCityFC) January 16, 2024

Barry is a regular in goal for Mark Birch's under-18 side.

The young duo will hope to impress ahead of decisions on whether they will make the step up to the professional grade at Carlisle.

Their first chance will come when City take on Whitley Bay at home on Friday night.

Jim Nichols' Carlisle City are sixth in Northern League Division One (Image: Jordan McGrath)

Nichols' side are in good form in Division One, sitting sixth in the table after 19 games.

Park and Barry will join a host of former Carlisle players at the Three Rivers Health & Safety Consultancy Stadium (Gillford Park).

The City squad includes ex-Blues such as Dan Kirkup, Scott Simons, Kieron Olsen, Jordan Holt, Keelan Leslie, Roan Steele and Jay Kelly, Keighran Kerr and Dan Hill.

The two United teenagers join under-18 team-mate Sam Hetherington out on loan, the latter currently with Danny Grainger's Workington Reds on work experience.

Two first-team squad members are also out on loan - Kai Nugent, who is at Annan Athletic for the season, and Jayden Harris, who was a substitute as Eastleigh lost 3-1 to Newport County in their FA Cup third round replay on Tuesday night.

Harris's loan with the National League is up this weekend with a decision on his immediate future expected to be made soon, amid interest from another club.