CARLISLE United are set to take on Nottingham Forest Under-21s in their first match since the departure of Paul Simpson. 

The Blues kick off their EFL Trophy campaign by welcoming the young Garibaldis to Brunton Park on Tuesday, September 3. 

Mark Birch, Steven Rudd, and Jamie Devitt will take charge of Carlisle United's EFL Trophy opening following the departure of Paul Simpson after the Blues sank to their third defeat in four League Two matches against Tranmere Rovers.

Gavin Skelton, Billy Barr, and Jake Simpson also left Carlisle United following the Blues' latest league defeat. 

In terms of on-the-field personnel, Carlisle will be without striker Georgie Kelly who faces a three-month injury layoff due to a calf injury, with his absence confirmed by Simpson before the Tranmere clash.

However, the Blues could welcome back Cameron Harper and Dylan McGeouch who have been sidelined since the latter days of pre-season but are closing in on a first-team return. 

Carlisle finished third in their EFL Trophy group last season on three points, with a victory against Harrogate Town and defeats against Accrington Stanley, and Nottingham Forest U-21s who ran out 2-0 winners in their last outing at Brunton Park.