Keith Curle expects more talented Carlisle United youth players to follow Cameron Salkeld into the first team picture thanks to the efforts of coaches Darren Edmondson and David Wilkes.

The Blues manager believes the "coaching levels" in United's Under-18 set-up have improved since the arrival of academy manager Edmondson, who is working alongside the long-serving Wilkes.

Salkeld, 17, made an immediate impact after coming off the bench for his debut in Tuesday's Checkatrade Trophy victory against Blackburn's under-21s.

The teenager was brought down in the box by Rovers' vastly-experienced defender Wes Brown to earn Carlisle's late penalty in their 2-0 win.

Curle said: "This can only spur the young players on.

"You want a pathway for the young players to get onto the pitch if they're good enough and pay attention to the messages from Darren and David.

"The coaching levels have gone up this season, and they have to take those messages into games and be able to impress myself and the coaching staff when they come into the first-team environment.

"If you're old enough and good enough, I'll play you. Age is no concern for me."

Salkeld, who turns 18 in December, will now be hoping for further first-team involvement - and the possibility of a league call-up - after his early impact on Tuesday.

Curle added: "I get updates from Darren and David not only daily, or in games, but also about the attitude and mentality of the group.

"There's two or three we've had a look at, and will continue to look at in training - and it's total integration, not to build up the numbers. It's part of their development, how do they adapt when they come into the environment?

"They can come over too soon, and be rabbits in headlights. But there is a pathway here for young players who can physically, mentally and ability-wise hold their own in the group.

"Cameron's been training with us a few times to make sure he's familiar with the intensity and tempo. Another couple of the young lads have stepped up, the centre-forward Max [Brown] has been involved, and it's credit to the youth department and that's down to the communications we have amongst the staff.

"You do well in the youth team, within 24 hours I know about it. You do well in training, I know about it. It can work the other way; if someone's not pulling their weight, not doing what they should, I get a nudge as well."