Teenager Jarrad Branthwaite showed some “terrific” signs but will also learn from aspects of his Carlisle United debut, says manager Steven Pressley.

The 17-year-old Cumbrian was handed his first senior competitive appearance in the 4-2 defeat to Wolves’ under-21s.

Boss Pressley said the Wigton youngster, who has been tracked by bigger clubs during his emergence at Brunton Park, showed signs of why he is regarded so highly at the Blues.

But he also said Branthwaite’s learning curve will continue as a result of moments such as the visitors’ third goal, a penalty which was conceded by keeper Louis Gray after a weak Branthwaite backpass.

Pressley said: “I think what he’ll take away [from the game] is that he’ll be feeling that he did some good things, but he’ll be feeling as you go up the levels and play against better players that you get punished for any small mistakes or wrong decisions.

“There were a lot of things in his game that I was really pleased about. I saw improvements in his heading, and that’s something that we’ve worked hard with him on.

"He was aggressive with his head for a 17-year-old. We don’t see that in a lot of young players.

“For 30 minutes I thought Jarrad’s performance was excellent for one so young.

“Yes, there were one or two moments he needs to tidy up on but we’re talking about a kid here, a kid I have real, real hope for.

“It’s natural for a young player to not so much make mistakes but be a little bit naïve in certain aspects of your job.

“He did some very good things and that’s pleased me.”