Blake was on the bench for Carlisle's 1-1 draw at Swindon last week

Carlisle United have handed professional contracts to the academy pair of defender Tom Aldred and midfielder Jonny Blake.

Aldred, 18, and Blake, 17, both came through the club's youth set-up and boss Greg Abbott said he is delighted to offer them full-time terms.

"We've signed them as professionals because I think they're ready for that," Abbott told the club website.

"Hopefully this is the beginning of a nice football career for the two lads."

Interview: Tom Aldred and Jonny Blake

"To get it this early on is brilliant." Blake told BBC Radio Cumbria. "I've been training with the first-team pros and I've had to step up."

"I just want to keep going, keep doing what I'm doing and hopefully help Carlisle get into the Championship."

Blake, who is from Lancaster, first joined Carlisle as an eight-year-old and has progressed through the junior teams at Brunton Park.

He was an unused substitute in last week's 1-1 draw at Swindon Town in League One.

"Just sitting on the sidelines listening to Dennis Booth (coach) I learned so much." he said.

Bolton-born Aldred, who was named in the first-team squad for last month's FA Cup first round replay at Grays, is captain of the Carlisle youth team.

"It's been what I've working for ever since I walked through the door as a 16-year-old." Aldred said.

"I'm on my own now. I've got to go on and hopefully get into the first-team and get a new contract."

Aldred is the Carlisle youth team captain

Aldred has also been invited to train with the Scotland Under-19 squad next week at Largs.

Youth team coach Eric Kinder told BBC Radio Cumbria: "We're here to get young footballers professional contracts and we've achieved that with Tom and Jonny."

"They've got 18-months to prove that they can go on and perhaps get a place in the first-team,

"I'm absolutely delighted for them. It's a fantastic Christmas present for both lads."

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