Robbo's vow

Stephen Robinson.

ATHLETIC won't pull any punches tonight when it comes to naming a strong line-up against Carlisle.

Freddie Ladapo is involved for the first time and will be named in the starting XI for the opening Checkatrade Trophy tie against opponents from Sky Bet League Two who are yet to be beaten this season.

Competition rules state that clubs must put out teams of ''full available strength" or risk a fine.

Despite this being an eighth game in the space of 25 days for a new squad that was under-cooked at the start of the month, Athletic manager Stephen Robinson promised he will field the core of his first choice line-up.

"The rules are that you have to have five starters either from Bradford, or who will start on Saturday. So there won't be too many changes," Robinson said.

"We will put a pretty strong team out and we are going out to win the game.

"We are four unbeaten in the league and we want to continue building."

The top two from each group qualify for the last 32, with group winners at home and facing opponents from the same geographical region who finish as runners-up.

From the last 16 onwards, the draw is no longer regionalised.

Mitigating against a game that would ordinarily offer little attraction to some fans - many already stretched financially by the jam-packed fixtures list - is the fact that Athletic are only charging £5 entry for adults, with under-16s free.

Many supporters are also concerned at the move to admit Premier League under-23s sides to the group stage. Blackburn's youngsters are in Athletic's section and they are away at Fleetwood tonight.

One player who will be happy to get another run-out tonight is centre-back Cameron Burgess, who was the stand-out defender for Athletic in the 1-1 draw at Bradford.

Robinson is clearly happy with the blend he has of youth an experience and hopes to win tonight to round off a satisfying opening month in charge.

"It was Cameron's best game for us at Bradford and you forget he is only a young boy, a baby really," Robinson said.

'POTENTIAL'

"Cameron will get better and better. He will make mistakes, as young players do. Connor Ripley made one against Preston but at Bradford showed his potential and where he can go in the game again.

"People raised eyebrows when we signed Peter Clarke and Paul Green, but they are probably the best two signings I have made, if I'm being totally honest.

"We are four unbeaten and not conceding too many goals. Millwall came too soon for us and Bradford are the best team we have played."

The transfer deadline arrives at 11pm tomorrow and Robinson could let fringe players leave while also trying to bring in a further signing.

Connor Brown, Carl Winchester and Jake Cassidy are all senior professionals who have struggled to get game-time so far this season.

Athletic (possible, 4-4-2): Ripley; Wilson, Clarke, Burgess, Dunne; McLaughlin, Banks, Fane, Flynn; Ladapo, Mckay. Subs (from): Kettings, Brown, Law, Edmundson, Reckord, Klok, Winchester, Croft, Jahraldo-Martin, Green, Woodland, Mantack, Osei, Erwin, Cassidy.