Defender Michael Raynes says he’s prepared to lead Carlisle United out again this afternoon if usual captain Danny Grainger misses out with injury.

Centre-half Raynes has worn the armband for the last two games in the absence of Grainger, who picked up an ankle injury in the FA Cup Third Round replay win over Yeovil Town which could again keep him out of today’s visit of Accrington Stanley to Brunton Park.

And, while Raynes said it is an “honour” to skipper the side he joined last summer, he says he’ll be more than willing to hand over the captaincy when Grainger is fit to return

“It’s always an honour to captain the side. It was bad circumstances really, at the expense of Danny who I feel really sorry for. I was absolutely gutted for him when he got the news about his ankle,” said the 28-year-old.

“He’s been my player of the season. He’s one of the best captains I’ve ever worked with. I’m happy to keep hold of it for a while, but I’ll be over the moon to give it back to him when he returns.

“He’s Mr Carlisle and he puts the club before himself. He’s motivated every day and he gets people going, and I don’t think you can ask for much more in a captain.”

Raynes will line up in the United defence once more for the visit of John Coleman’s men this afternoon, which begins a chaotic four-week spell of fixtures for Keith Curle’s side, who will play seven games in that time.

And the former Oxford United man says he enjoys the responsibility of captaining the team – but believes that Carlisle have the necessary amount of leaders within their changing room to get them through the forthcoming tough period as the battles at either end of League Two begin to intensify.

“I enjoy it. I’m quite loud anyway so we’ve got a dressing room full of captains. Everyone brings something different and I think you need that if you’re going to have a successful side,” said Raynes.

“Some are louder than others and some go about it differently – there are different ways to be a leader, whether it be leading the line and scoring goals or kicking people in the middle of the park.

“There are different ways to do it and I think we’ve got a good blend of characters in the dressing room that stand us in good stead.”