Darren Edmondson is delighted to have the opportunity to help in the development of young Carlisle United prospect Dan Hopper.

The teenager is spending time on a work experience loan deal with Penrith and has already made a positive impression.

Hopper, 17, scored twice in Penrith’s Northern League Division One derby win over Carlisle City on Saturday.

The Blues youth team player is hoping to use the non-league spell to boost his chances of a long-term future at Brunton Park.

Penrith boss Edmondson says Hopper’s time at Frenchfield Park also has a strong emotional connection, given that he played with and managed Dan’s late father Tony at Carlisle United and Workington Reds respectively.

Dan’s goals against Carlisle City earned him the man-of-the-match award and Edmondson said: “The first one was a really good breakaway from us, a couple of blocks from us and he was there to tidy up and put it in from six or seven yards out – a neat finish by Dan.

“The second goal was good play from us again, an attacking threat on the break and an excellent left-footed shot from just inside the box, on an angle – he drove it low into the corner.

“It was a great finish and that will give him loads of confidence.”

The Blues youngster’s month-long deal with Penrith was sealed on December 20 after discussions between the clubs.

“I was approached by Ruddy [United academy manager Steven Rudd] about looking at one or two of the young players,” said Edmondson.

Hopper is on a work experience loan with Penrith from United's academy (Image: Barbara Abbott)

“From pre-season I remembered Dan, and I know all about him, so there was never any issues, once the Carlisle under-18s had finished for the winter, that we’d get him in and give him some opportunity and time.

“For myself and Richard [Prokas, Penrith assistant manager] it’s exciting and great for us, and it’s also got an emotional tie for us. We were both friends with his dad, both played with his dad, I was then lucky enough to manage his dad at Reds, and now it’s Dan we’re managing.

“After he came off on Saturday with 15 minutes left, I had a quick joke in the dugout that his dad couldn’t have scored that second goal with his left foot, and he’d be looking down with pride.

“Those are the connections we have, and we want to just help and progress him.”

Dan's late father Tony was a Carlisle team-mate of Penrith duo Darren Edmondson and Richard Prokas, while Edmondson also managed Tony at Workington (Image: Jonathan Becker)

Hopper is one of the brightest prospects in United’s under-18 side and played a key part in the young Blues’ run to the FA Youth Cup third round this season.

He also made his first-team debut for Mike Williamson’s side against Wigan Athletic in the EFL Trophy in October.

Edmondson added: “The good thing about Dan is he’s eager to learn, and he listens.

“His intent is to improve and coming up against men, and in games like a Cumbrian derby at our level, will help him.

“Of course there are areas to improve, which Ruddy and Birchy [United under-18 boss Mark Birch] know. I’m aware of what they’ve said on that – it’s in my mind to support that while Dan is here – but we’re just happy he’s come here and wants to improve.

“He’s a good finisher and that’s something we want to keep him positive with, and give him freedom in the attacking third to beat people and score goals.

“We’re trying to do the right things on the pitch, and move the ball properly, and have a decent shape to our set-up, so hopefully he can learn from myself and Richard.

“If he goes on to get a pro contract at Carlisle, that’s great. I’m sure he’s got every chance, otherwise potentially it wouldn’t have been in the club’s mind to send him to Penrith to get some game time.

“Whenever he goes back to Carlisle, we’ll look forward to seeing him kick on and hopefully push into that first-team squad.

“We hope it’s win-win – he’ll get a few more goals for us, it’ll help him grow into what he needs to be, it will open Carlisle’s eyes further and he’ll go back with a more confident side to him and he can progress the rest of the season.”