Scouts will be invited to Carlisle United’s last pre-season friendly to take their pick of the Blues’ out-of-favour players.

Manager Keith Curle said tomorrow’s game against Queen of the South will be an opportunity for some members of his squad to put themselves in the shop window.

While some players will get further opportunities to impress – such as trialist Nicky Walker, who will start the game – others could take a step towards the Brunton Park exit.

Curle, who has five players on the transfer list, said: “A circular is going to get put out about the squad of players playing on Tuesday. Scouts will be informed of which players are going to be playing, so if there’s anybody in there that takes their fancy, it’s down to them.

“The players have been made aware as well. If, in their opinion, they’re not going to be getting the game time that their careers need, by all means get their agents to get people to come and watch them.”

Curle said another unnamed trialist could join the squad for the behind-closed-doors game against the Scottish Championship outfit. He insisted the fixture would be an important training exercise, adding: “It will be more game time for some of the players who haven’t played for 60-70 minutes at competitive intensity.

“They need to be able to not just start the game with our philosophy, but maintain it through the game.”

Assistant manager Colin West remains away from Brunton Park with Curle still reluctant to go into detail over his absence.

But the manager did again suggest his No2 would be back in the ranks for the Mansfield game next weekend. 

Asked whether the No2 would be by his side at Field Mill, the manager said: “No, he’s not going to be in the dugout. He’s going to be in the stand.”