We spoke to manager Paul Simpson ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Peterborough.
“It’s a brilliant test for us,” he said. “I thought they were outstanding in the first half an hour when we played them here and other people I’ve spoken to have also said they’re the best side they’ve faced this season.
“It’s a brilliant game for us to look forward to. I always like going to Peterborough, it’s a tight ground and they’ve got really passionate fans. We know our fans will make noise because they do everywhere we go.
“We’ve got to make sure we enjoy the occasion by enjoying our performance. They’re a good side, they’ve got three or four players who are up in the top goalscorer charts, so we know they’re a threat, but we also feel there are opportunities for us to win the ball back in good areas to go and cause them problems. It’s up to us to go and do that, we’ve got to make sure we get our shape right which will hopefully mean we go and get a positive result.
“I think everybody will have already decided what the result will be and what our fate is going to be this season, so all we can go and do is try and get some pride in our performance and a level or performance that gives us a chance to get a result. If we do that, then we have to take whatever comes.
“I’m quite sure there won’t be many people gambling on a Carlisle away win on Friday, luckily I don’t gamble. I’m not concerning myself with that, I can only focus on getting our players prepared which we have done this week and getting a good performance.”
The manager also gave us an update on how the squad is looking injury wise ahead of the Easter weekend.
“Everyone came through last weekend ok so we haven’t got any issues from that.
“Georgie Kelly has had a full week of training so he’s going to come into the squad as well. It’s definitely too early for him to start, but if we can get him introduced into it and maybe get him some minutes as the game goes on, then we’ll try and do that. We’ve got to make sure we manage him properly because he’s here for the long-term and he’s a player who I’m hoping will really add something to the group.
“He’s had as frustrating a time as we’ve had with it. It will be good to get him on the coach and get him down to Peterborough with us as part of the group. He’s already a big part of it because he’s been in every day doing his rehab and he’s trained fully this week. We’ll see how he goes, but it’s good to get him back involved.”
“Josh Vela’s surgeon appointment was delayed because the surgeon got called into surgery,” he continued. “He’s had his appointment this morning and I’ve just been given the update that he doesn’t need surgery. There is still some bone damage there, but the surgeon believes if we just allow it to settle down, he won’t need surgery.
“He still won’t play this season, but now that he doesn’t need the surgery he should be fit for the start of pre-season.”
