By Amanda Little

Last updated 10:03, Friday, 18 July 2008

Carlisle United’s boys’ brigade will get a chance to shine during the Cumbrians’ pre-season campaign.

Connor Tinnion: Teenage winger

Teenage winger Conor Tinnion has spent the week with the United first-team squad at their training base in Glasgow.

The 17-year-old from Cockermouth, who is still on YTS, was one of three United teenagers handed the chance by boss John Ward, who also took striker Gary Madine and Dan Wordsworth along for the experience.

However, the highly-rated trio may have to wait for their chance to show what they can do, with Ward likely to field an experienced side for tomorrow’s pre-season friendly with Partick Thistle (3pm).

United, who defeated Kendal 4-0 in their opening warm-up game last Friday, also face Chester City at the Deva Stadium on Tuesday (7.45pm)

Ward said: “We will be naming a strong squad on Saturday and there may be one or two disappointed faces. But the ones who don’t get a full work out on Saturday will get one on Tuesday, which is what pre-season is all about.

“We’ve stepped things up in training this week, and I’m pleased with the progress they’re making.

“The spirit we have at the club is first-class. They could still be feeling sorry for themselves after what happened last season during the play-offs, but I get the feeling they have been toughened up by it.

“Not every experience in football is enjoyable but it’s what you do about it that is important.”

Scott Dobie scored twice in four minutes in Carlisle’s 4-0 win over Kendal, with Danny Carlton and Luke Joyce rounded off a clinical second-half display by the Blues.

Partick Thistle are managed by Dumfries-born Ian McCall, a former Rangers and Dundee United midfielder, who has twice been linked with the Carlisle hot-seat.

McCall is set to include new signing Paul Paton for tomorrow’s clash at Firhill, after the ex-Queen's Park defender fired home a 20-yard strike in a 2-0 friendly win over Stirling Albion on Tuesday night.

Admission at Firhill is £10 or £5 for under-16s, students and pensioners.