Paul Simpson is “gutted” his former Albion defender Ben Barclay will miss out on Wembley.

The on-loan Stockport defender scored the goal that secured Carlisle’s 3-2 aggregate Sky Bet League Two play-off semi-final win over Bradford.

Barclay cannot play against his parent club who earlier in the day defeated Salford on penalties to reach Wembley themselves.

Carlisle boss Simpson said: “Ben got the goal but unfortunately can’t play. It is one of those nightmare scenarios.

“When he has been fit this year Ben has been brilliant for us. I am sure he will be coming along for the trip.

“Even though he can’t be involved in the game he will be a big part of our training programme.

“We knew that before and it was always a gamble. I am sure he was desperate for it to be Salford.”

Some Albion fans will recall Gary Dicker playing against his parent club when on loan from Stockport on the final day of the 2008-09 season.

No clause had been agreed to prevent him facing Stockport and his shot led to Nicky Forster scoring to secure a 1-0 win and make sure of survival in League One.

Barclay has not been so fortunate.

His former Albion under-23s colleague Will Collar, who comes from Horsham, was among those to score in the shoot-out as Stockport clinched their Wembley place.