United boss Keith Curle spoke to us about the second big game of the Easter weekend as the Blues prepare to face Lincoln City at Brunton Park on Monday afternoon.
“We’re looking forward to the fact that it’s a huge game for us,” he said. “I told every single player after Friday’s game to prepare properly because we need to be at full capacity for 95 minutes.
“If subs come on, they need to do their bit, and if a player finds that he isn’t used, he needs to back the team and help us to get the result as well.”
“We’re not scared of a game like this and we won’t be having sleepless nights,” he added. “It’s another opportunity to get points against a team that has been doing very well.
“We didn’t have the best of starts to the season but we’re looking to end it as well as we can. We’ve been getting better as we’ve gone on, individually and collectively, and the unity is continuing to grow.
“The confidence is there for all to see and we don’t mind who we play at the moment. The lads have a resolve and determination to get results for this club and that’s credit to them and their attitude.”
On the role the fans have to play on Monday, he said: “The supporters were excellent again on Saturday in yet more horrible conditions.
“I think they’ve been fantastic all season and we need a few more numbers in now because we need to make Brunton Park a place where people don’t want to come to. Lincoln will bring good numbers because this is a game where it’s all to play for.
“We’re their football club, we belong to them, and if they have an affiliation to Carlisle United then come along and we’ll show them what we’ve been trying to deliver. They’re excellent when they’re behind us, as we saw at the last home game, and all we can ask for is more of the same again.”
And Monday afternoon could see a return to action for experienced midfielder Jamal Campbell-Ryce following his injury lay-off.
“It was touch and go whether or not I included him for Cheltenham, but I didn’t want to take him on the coach drive when I was able to give him another two or three days of work that he could be doing,” he explained. “He’s been training well and he’ll be fine for Monday. He’s another player who is on board with what we are, and I know he wants to do his bit.”
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