Brad Carroll is back in contention for Workington Reds as they look to kick start their cup run.

Manager Danny Grainger said the key midfielder had come through training unscathed this week and will be in contention for today’s trip (3pm kick-off) to Droylsden in the FA Trophy.

And he admitted that some of the younger squad stars, who shone in the midweek Cumberland Cup win over Moor Row, had also given him food for thought.

“Brad will be back and available for the squad for the Droylsden game, but Sam Smith is still not right and we will maybe look at him again for the Runcorn game and see,” said Grainger.

“Everybody that played on Tuesday did themselves justice. I thought the first half was a bit sloppy, but then, we got better.

“Even the younger lads really impressed me and and we have spoken about the fact that we will give them a chance at some point.

“I’m not scared to throw them in. And the core of first-team lads that played all did themselves justice.

“It gives me a real headache and something to think about for this game.”

Grainger admitted he would love to see his troops win today and then hopefully bag a home draw in the next round - which would be a boost for the club and the fans.

“It is a bonus if we can get a good cup run,” added Grainger.

“We are playing with confidence and it lets you step away from the league.

“The club can benefit financially and fans can, sometimes, get to go to grounds they maybe haven’t been before.

“Plus, there is always a buzz for the cup that you don’t always get in the league.

“We would love to get a win today and hopefully get a home draw and be able to showcase in front of our fans.”

Droylsden are no strangers to Workington Reds as the two teams are in the same league. Droylsden currently lie in 10th while Reds still top the table.

The two sides have not yet met in the league, with the first meeting due in the middle of November.

Grainger added: “We have done our preparation, the same as we do every week. We have watched some videos.

“We just have to go there and do our job and switch on, the way that we know we can.”

Prize-money is split in this round with £2,250 for the winners and £750 for the losers.

Reds have a good history in the FA Trophy, only going out at the third round of the national stages after a mammoth round trip to take on Bromley in February 2018.

They had already beaten higher league opposition in Hartlepool United and Weston-super-Mare to earn the tie with Bromley, which they took to a replay.