Symington an option for Abbott
Carlisle manager Greg Abbott is considering handing Dave Symington his full debut in the FA Cup clash with Ebbsfleet.
The 18-year-old winger has made 12 appearances and scored two goals for the Cumbrians this season, but all have come as a substitute.
He bagged his first League strike of the campaign in the defeat to Bournemouth last week, with Abbott praising his performance afterwards.
Symington's fellow youngsters Brad Potts, Mark Beck and Josh Todd are likely to be named in the squad but will have to settle for places on the bench.
Elsewhere, Peter Murphy will be assessed before the match. The defender overcame a hamstring injury to start against the Cherries but he is rated as doubtful for Saturday, with Danny Livesey likely to deputise should he miss out.
Injured pair Matty Robson and Chris Chantler also face late fitness tests.
Ebbsfleet will have to make do without two of their recent signings.
Midfielders Louie Soares, on loan from Grimsby, and Ashley Carew are both ineligible for the match and will not feature.
Midfielder Liam Bellamy and winger Lanre Azeez are two possible replacements for the pair as manager Liam Daish is forced to alter his starting XI after last week's 1-0 win over Tamworth.
Moses Ashikodi and Nathan Elder are both pushing for starts up front but Daish has favoured utility player Phil Walsh in an advanced role in recent games.
Midfielder Ram Marwa has been struggling with a knee injury and missed the Tamworth game; his fitness will be assessed before the contest.
Source: PA
Source: PA