KEITH Curle said his group of crocked players are poised to return to help Carlisle United’s play-off push in the nick of time.

The Blues manager hopes to have some of his injured troops back in full training today.

And Curle insisted three of the sidelined group - Danny Grainger, David Atkinson and Tom Miller - could be in contention to return to the squad against leaders Northampton this weekend.

Antony Sweeney is said to be a further week away from a comeback, while Brandon Comley is back at QPR for treatment on an ankle injury.

While Curle is hoping Charlie Wyke and Dan Hanford also shake off knocks in time for Saturday, the manager is encouraged that at least some of his other injured players are close to fitness.

“I’m hoping David Atkinson, Tom Miller and Danny Grainger will all be back training [today] and staking a claim for Saturday,” Curle said.

“We have had injuries to key personnel at different times but each time we have been finding enough resolve to gain us points.

“Imagine us in another week’s time when we get four, five or six players back? It will be like bringing new players in.”

Influential captain Grainger has been out since January 19, when he suffered an ankle injury in the FA Cup replay at Yeovil.

It has seen the Cumbrian miss United’s last nine games.

Atkinson has missed three games while Miller’s last outing was against Everton in the FA Cup more than a month ago.

United are awaiting scan results from QPR on Comley with Curle admitting it will be a blow to lose the loanee for a spell.

Curle would not be drawn on whether he would seek a replacement for the 20-year-old in the transfer market but said: “What Brandon brought to the team, I liked - a tenaciousness, an ability to make tackles but also fluid, simple passing.

“He is a young man who was hungry, eager, played with no fear and I liked those characteristics in his play, even though there are things in his game that he needs to develop.

“In central midfield we have lost Gary Dicker [now at Kilmarnock], though we have other options in there.

“There are areas of the pitch

I want to improve on.”

Wyke and Hanford will have leg injuries assessed, with the striker having to be substituted in the 2-2 draw against Leyton Orient after colliding with a post, while keeper Hanford was not in the squad because of a dead leg suffered at Morecambe last Saturday.

Curle, meanwhile, praised Steven Rigg after the Cumbrian forward’s involvement as a first-half replacement for Wyke on Tuesday.

It was only the former Keswick and Penrith man’s second Blues outing since returning from injury.

Curle said: “Riggy showed good energy levels, a willingness to work and an understanding of different roles.

“He will be disappointed not to take the chance that came his way from Alex McQueen’s cross – for Riggy with a few games under his belt that’s a one-touch finish – but he looked dangerous and with Roggy you always think something unpredictable will happen in and around him.

“His work ethic and determination since he came back from injury has been exemplary.”