Several young Workington Reds Reserves will get the chance to step up and showcase their skills tonight in the Cumberland Cup Semi-Final.

Holders Reds take on Pirelli at Borough Park to win a place in the final (kick-off 7.45pm), but they are having to utilise the full squad at their disposal due to a tight schedule of four matches in eight days.

But this equals an opportunity for Byron Todd, Lewis Jolly, Paul McNally and Jordan Ferguson, who have all been called up to the first-team squad.

Reds boss Dave Hewson said: “Unfortunate circumstances have led to this game being put on in a week where we have a very busy schedule of league commitments.

“We have just had a difficult trip to Manchester on Tuesday night and a tough game. This is followed by the cup game tonight.

“Then, we leave for Saturday’s game at Barwell on Friday, which adds to the commitment the lads are having to make and we finish with a home game against Buxton on Tuesday.

“So, we are having to utilise the full squad at our disposal. There will be some experienced players in there but this is a good opportunity for other lads to play and get minutes under their belts.”

Hewson said all the young players have been involved with the first team in the past and would get some game time tonight.

“They will be involved at some point in the game and it gives them a chance to showcase what they can do,” he added.

“It will be a tough game, Pirelli are a good side, strong and physical, and they are going well in their league.

“There are a lot of local players in there that our lads know about.

“It will be a tough game but one that we still want to win and reach the final to defend the trophy.”