Carlisle United Head Coach Mark Hughes spoke ahead of this weekend’s game against Forest Green Rovers, with the team buoyed by their Emirates FA Cup progression and a tie against Reading on the horizon.
Speaking to CUTV, he said: “On paper it's a difficult draw obviously, it could have been easier in terms of opposition we may well have had in the draw, but we'll look forward to it. I think it's a good test for us and a good reward.
“I thought we played excellent in the FA Cup game against Boston - the lads came in and made eight or so changes and they equipped themselves really, really well. I was really pleased with the impact everybody made in that game.
“We haven’t really discussed it to any great extent. I think our focus this weekend is more clearly on Forest Green, but as it looms on the horizon, I’m sure we’ll start discussing it in more detail.
“We’ll get the bones of it and make sure that we’ve got a game plan in terms of what we’re going to do against them.”
United powered past Boston United in the Emirates FA Cup fourth qualifying round, scoring five goals in the process.
“We’re in good shape at the moment. I was able to rest a few players as well - a number of lads have put in a big shift in the early part of the season, and it was a good opportunity to use the squad.
“That was a real bonus, that we came through unscathed really, so yeah, I’m really pleased with how the squad is at the moment. We’re quite healthy.”
On the mood in the camp and preparation ahead of Saturday's clash against Forest Green Rovers at Brunton Park, he said: “I think it goes alongside obviously winning football matches, but the top and bottom of it all is that they understand each and every one of them will have a part to play this year - and that’s really important.
“They know they’ve got my trust, and if I have to make changes, whether through injury or form, they’ll be ready.
“Credit to each and every one of them last weekend - a number hadn’t played many minutes, but you wouldn’t have thought that from the level of performance they produced.
“We’ve probably had to get the reins on them a little bit. Everybody feels they’ve got a chance to play, and that’s where I want the squad to be - everyone really pushing hard.
If you’re out the side, you’ve got to impress in training, so every level goes up - your match level, your training level - and that’s what we’re seeing right now.”
Saturday’s visitors have started the season strongly, winning eight out of their 14 league games so far.
“We’ll have a game plan like we always do, but I think first and foremost it’s about the level we’re able to hit. When we’re playing well and on the front foot, we look a better team and we affect the opposition in a better way.
“Forest Green have recruited well, got a good budget and good players, so they’ll be right up there at the end of the season, like ourselves. It’ll be a big test.
“They’re a high-energy team - they’ve got a lot of legs, as the phrase goes. They can get around the pitch, got youthful energy, and that lends itself to a high-intensity, high-tempo game.
“We’ll have to match that, which we can, and then you hope that in key areas we’ll have that bit of quality to take the game away from them.”
On any potential impact the kick-off time may have on preparation: “Not really, no.
“We just push everything a couple of hours forward - same preparation, just a bit later in the day. It doesn’t really impact us.”
Speaking on whether he would select a similar team to the one that beat Hartlepool United, he said: “It might be, it might not be. I’ve got a lot of options and choices, so
“I’ve got to make sure I pick the right team. Thankfully, I’ve got a lot of players I can call upon to do the job I’m asking of them.”
Hughes provided an injury update on Junior Luamba after his collision at Scunthorpe United: “We’re trying to integrate him (Junior Luamba) back as protocol dictates.
“He’s joined in a couple of sessions, so we’ll see how he is leading into the weekend.”
On the support from fans, he said: “We had great support last weekend. It was a little bit strange with everyone packed in on one side, but the atmosphere was fantastic.
“Once the stadium’s fully open and we’re getting good numbers in, the atmosphere’s brilliant. It might not be a three o’clock Saturday, but half five or whenever it is, that’s when we go to work.
“We’re really enjoying the support we’re getting at the moment - and the lads deserve it. They’re playing well, they’re winning games, and that’s why everybody wants to come and watch.”
When asked about how the squad was feeling ahead of Saturday’s game, he said: “I wouldn’t have thought there’d be any nerves. I used to get excited by the big games - the bigger the better - they’re the ones you want to be involved in.
“This group’s the same. They get excited leading into games, they want to perform, they want to be the best version of themselves.
“Confidence is high, and that comes from winning games. We’re in a good place at the moment.”
United’s youth team mirrored the senior side's cup exploits with their progress in the FA Youth Cup, beating Gateshead to progress to the first round of the competition.
“The lads are doing really well. They had a good performance against Morecambe initially and then again last night, so we’re really pleased with that.
“I’ve been really impressed with the level of young players the club’s producing. A lot of good young players coming through again, and when the numbers dictate, we like to get them training with the senior lads because that helps their development.
“You can always tell when young players are ready - sessions don’t break down, senior players are happy to give them the ball. That’s a great sign, and a credit to the academy staff for the work they’re doing.”
