By Jon Colman

Last updated at 11:36, Saturday, 22 September 2012

Frank Simek insists Carlisle United are not being distracted by their date with Spurs are they bid to topple fallen giants Coventry today.

Frank Simek

This afternoon’s clash at the Ricoh Arena (kick-off 3pm) is Carlisle’s last league game before their big Capital One Cup test against Tottenham.

Anticipation is building for the visit of Andre Villas-Boas’ Premier League stars to Brunton Park.

But defender Simek today pledged that the United players’ minds will not be allowed to wander to next Wednesday until they have got the job done today.

“Personally speaking I haven’t thought about [the Tottenham game] and I just take it game by game,” said the American.

“It’s not in our minds. Tottenham will take care of itself. Coventry is our full focus. We need to start winning games and hopefully we can do that.”

United are aiming for a second straight away victory today against the Sky Blues, whose new manager Mark Robins takes charge for the first time.

Greg Abbott’s side are unbeaten in three league games and make their first visit to the Ricoh Arena buoyed by their first clean sheet of the season, secured against Crewe on Tuesday.

Simek – now enjoying a run in the side after losing his place earlier in the campaign to Brad Potts – said United should not be overawed by the surroundings.

“Coventry is a big club but they are not in the best position right now,” he said.

“They were a Premier League team but they aren’t any more. They are not any different to us. We are going there looking to get three points.”

First published at 10:50, Saturday, 22 September 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk