Three Carlisle United trialists are in the last chance saloon tonight - while another has linked up with the Blues.

The friendly at Chester (Deva Stadium, 7.30pm) will see Isaac Buckley-Ricketts, Elliott Reeves and Tyrone Duffus out to impress, having had two pre-season matches under their belts, with boss Steven Pressley having said decisions will be made on those three after tonight’s game.

Former Wolves defender Aaron Hayden, meanwhile, is expected to go straight into the squad, but could be given more time to impress after only linking up with United yesterday.

Assistant manager Gavin Skelton says the plan on the three original trialists remains the same.

"I don't think that has changed," Skelton said.

"The manager made it clear.

"[Tonight] gives everyone ample opportunity to have had a look not only in training but in games, where you really can tell about people. Tonight-Wednesday, the gaffer will make decisions."

Former Manchester City winger Buckley-Ricketts, available for a move from Peterborough, is hoping to make further impact, having scored in Saturday’s 4-0 win at Penrith AFC.

Former Cardiff defender/midfielder Duffus and Ilkeston striker Reeves have been with the Cumbrians since the start of pre-season, while Hayden comes in, having been released by Wolves in May.

Croydon-born Hayden has had loan spells at Newport County, Hemel Hempstead, Bromley, AFC Telford United and Stourbridge.

The trialists will hope to impress against a National League North side whose defence includes former Carlisle centre-halves Danny Livesey and Simon Grand.

It will be United’s first trip to the Deva Stadium for nearly 14 years, their last game at Chester’s ground coming under Paul Simpson in 2005.

Tonight’s opponents were formed in 2010 after the winding-up of Chester City. They are managed by the former Salford City pair of Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley, and also have ex-Blues loan striker George Waring in their ranks.

Skelton believes Carlisle will be set a good test by a side who finished in ninth last season.

He said: "I’m looking forward to it. It will be a different challenge.

"Tough, but it’s a really good game for us, I think. They are a good level Conference North team with some ex-pros.

"It will be different to the Hibs game, where it was nice at home and both teams passed it about.

"I’d expect a bit more physicality and good intensity. It will be a good test of things to come this season and it’s important we put our stamp on the game. It will tell us a lot about our players."

Some of the senior players rested at Penrith are likely to come back into the squad.

That could see Byron Webster, Jack Iredale, Christie Elliott, Stefan Scougall and Mike Jones back involved, although Louis Gray is again likely to be in goal.