Recalled Alex McQueen says Carlisle United have proved they aren’t suffering from an FA Cup hangover as they get back on the promotion trail.

The defender believes the victory against Accrington showed that Keith Curle’s players have quickly got over their energy-sapping cup run that ended with defeat to Everton.

McQueen says United’s sights are now firmly on the play-off race now they have got back to winning ways in League Two.

The ex-Spurs man said: “Everyone was expecting us to be down [after Everton], but all the boys showed everyone that we’re still here, we’re still fighting.

“I wouldn’t call the Everton game a distraction, because it’s always nice to play the big teams and see where you need to get to.

“But all that’s out of the way now, so we need to focus on trying to get promoted.

“We need the points on the table to get into the play-offs, which is the ultimate goal for the season – to get promoted to League One.

“It’s a massive month coming up and we need to win our games in hand.”

Saturday’s 2-0 win saw 20-year-old McQueen make his first league start since November.

The right-back got his chance with Tom Miller rested because of a knock and David Atkinson featuring at left-back and later centre-half against Stanley.

McQueen hopes his display has given Curle food for thought as United head into a crucial period of games.

“It was great for me – I’ve been working hard in training, so to finally get back out there made me really happy, especially with three points and a clean sheet, which is what every defender wants,” McQueen said.

“We’ve been doing some defensive drills in training, so to see it come off in the game was brilliant for everyone.

“It was a good team performance and hopefully I can play as many games in the rest of the season as I can. Because we’ve got such a good squad, anyone can take your place at any time.

“We were really happy and relieved to get the points on the table. It’s another step we climb.”

McQueen’s team-mate Charlie Wyke is expected to extend his Blues contract until 2018, with the deal set to be rubber-stamped this week.

United, meanwhile, have advised fans that tickets bought for the postponed Boxing Day game at Accrington are valid for the rearranged game next Tuesday.

Supporters who can’t make the new date can be refunded either by returning their tickets to the Brunton Park ticket office portacabin or posting them with a covering letter.

Fans can pay on the gate at the Crown Ground but Carlisle recommend that tickets are bought in advance to avoid queues. They are priced £20 (adults) and £15 (64 and over and students).