Alex McQueen looks set to complete his Carlisle United comeback with a short-term deal at Brunton Park - along with fellow trialist Kevin Wright.

The pair were discussing terms with manager Keith Curle last night as the Blues prepare for tomorrow's FA Cup second round clash with Rochdale.

Curle said funds to sign the pair had been freed up by David Atkinson's month-long loan departure to Evo-Stik Northern Premier club Blyth Spartans.

If the deals are rubber-stamped today it will see McQueen rejoin United after leaving the club at the end of last season and then not being in contact with Curle for much of the summer, leading the manager to drop his interest in retaining the former Tottenham man in August.

Curle, though, said that situation is now in the past having assessed the right-back in training over recent weeks.

And he believes both McQueen, 21, and former Chelsea left-back Wright, 20, are worth a chance.

Curle said: "They're not going to come here and retire. It's going to be short-term contracts that give them the opportunity to showcase what they've got and try and force their way into the team.

"They've got pace, dynamics, the ability to travel with the ball and turn defence into attack, and the ability to play in different formations with the flexibility that pace gives you.

"Alex came into the building last season as a project and did very well. There were certain things that then developed off the field with [the] advice [he received] but that's been put behind.

"Kevin, too, is a young man waiting for an opportunity to showcase what he's got. Are they going to come in and start games straight away - who knows?"

Curle said signing the two players would be for a similar amount of money combined as United will recoup from fellow defender Atkinson's move to Blyth until January 2.

The former Middlesbrough man could make his debut against Buxton tomorrow, while the Blues are aiming to topple their League One visitors to reach the third round of the FA Cup.

Jabo Ibehre (back) is unlikely to be involved but Jamie Devitt rejoins the squad after suspension against a Rochdale side who are fifth in League One.

Yet Keith Hill's team - featuring former Carlisle winger Joe Thompson - have only won twice on the road all season, while the Blues are unbeaten at Brunton Park.

Curle said: "We've done our homework and had a look at them. They're a very good team with good energy, they move the ball well and have a good identity in how they play.

"It's a good opportunity to test ourselves against a team with a lot of confidence and riding high in their division - and a chance to progress in a competition we've got good memories from last season.

"There's nothing to be scared of. The potential rewards add a bit of extra tension and pressure. And Rochdale will probably think if they get a draw and take Carlisle back to their ground, they'll be obvious favourites.

"But if you come to Carlisle and sit back, that puts us on the front foot - and a lot of people are finding that Carlisle on the front foot can be a difficult animal. Likewise, if you attack us, we can handle a confrontation."

United are targeting £27,000 prize money tomorrow and a place in Monday night's third round draw, while they will again be in cup action on Tuesday night at Brunton Park against Mansfield in the Checkatrade Trophy.

Curle insisted the cups were not being viewed as a distraction to his table-topping side. He added: "Any time a player represents me and the club they have to put in a performance worthy of the shirt.

"I like the FA Cup. It's something you can get your teeth into. Last season's exploits we very much enjoyed as a club."