The Cumbrians head to Rochdale tonight to face the League One outfit in the second round of this season’s Carabao Cup competition.
Speaking about what he wants from the tie, manager Steven Pressley said: “We’re going for it again. I want us to progress in all cups because it brings a real excitement to the place.
“It would be amazing if we went through and then got a terrific home draw. It would be amazing for the city. That’s what we want because it’s a real incentive.
“Rochdale won’t make it easy for us though. They’ll want the same thing. They’re a footballing team and I’m sure they’ll make it a really good game for us. It’ll definitely be a good challenge.
“We’ll look at how our players recover from what was a tough test on Saturday. One of the considerations when it comes to team selection will be definitely the fatigue of the team.”
And he revealed that he has an added incentive to make it through to the potentially lucrative third round draw with the potential addition of an analyst to the backroom staff should the Blues pull a big opponent.
“I’ve been told – well, I made a deal with David [Holdsworth] that if we win at Rochdale, and we get through to the next round and get a good draw, then I’ll get an analyst,” he said. “I’ll be able to sleep then! Just now I’m working til 12 at night every day, the media team are my analysts just now, and it’s hard going for us.
“If we get through, I’ll get an analyst which will help us again. I know the supporters will be thinking we want another striker! An analyst would be a good addition and it’s something I want.
“The players have got to try and get us through and hopefully after that I can get a good night’s sleep!”
Match day also sees the summer transfer window head into its final week, with the club poised to react should anything develop in terms of players moving out.
“We have to be ready for that,” he agreed. “A lot of moves can take place on the last day. One thing is, if anybody was to move out, we have to ensure we have a player ready to come in. That’s going to be vital.
“We’re working with a small squad, which I like, but we can’t leave ourselves short.”
