Carlisle United's new talisman centre-forward says tomorrow's crunch clash with Portsmouth is the first of 14 "cup finals" that will determine their promotion fate.

Keith Curle's side can put serious distance between themselves and fifth-placed Pompey with victory in front of an expected bumper crowd at Brunton Park.

And frontman Jamie Proctor says the stakes are going to be high in all United's remaining games with a place in League One now firmly in their sights.

Proctor will tomorrow face one of the clubs that tried to sign him in the transfer window, but he says he has no regrets about his decision to join United's bid for glory.

"Ultimately the reason I decided to come here was to challenge for something - be part of a promotion challenge, getting to where we want to be," Proctor said.

"I saw from the outside that there's a great squad and a good chance to get promoted this year. We've started well since I've been here but there are 14 massive games left, and every one's going to be like a cup final for us.

"This is one we'll go into confident, as will they [Pompey]. We've won three out of the last four, and it will be a great occasion for us and the fans."

A boosted crowd is anticipated as the visitors are set to be backed by around 1,200 fans.

United's improved recent form, and the prospect of inflicting a serious blow on one of their main challengers, is also likely to prove a draw to many fans.

Supporters are also set to take the opportunity to show their support to former Blues midfielder Tony Hopper, who is guest of honour at the game following his recent diagnosis with motor neurone disease.

Manager Curle this week said supporters have "no excuses" not to attend the game and back his team's push for glory, after back-to-back wins against Doncaster and Wycombe put them five points clear of the play-off places.

Proctor, meanwhile, is hoping to build on his bright start in United colours after two goals and nine points from his first three outings.

He struck the equaliser last weekend at Wycombe before setting up Reggie Lambe's winner in Carlisle's 2-1 victory.

Proctor said: "It's gone really well so far. On a personal level it's been brilliant. But the most important thing is helping the team achieve what we all want.

"This will be a massive game, but so was last weekend, so was Doncaster, and before that, Leyton Orient were fighting for their lives and that was a big game too.

"I think we've got a lot more big games to come after Portsmouth. People look at it and see the positions in the table and think oh, it's a massive, must-win game. But we go into every game like that.

"We go into every game thinking, 'we have to win today'. Like at Wycombe, we thought we had to win, we got the win, and we put a little bit more distance between ourselves and the chasing pack."

Danny Grainger and Jason Kennedy remain United's only absentees, while Curtis Main is sidelined for Paul Cook's visitors.

The Carlisle United Official Supporters' Club, meanwhile, said they were unable to share details of their latest discussion about United's investment situation because the information was "confidential".

In a briefing to members, CUOSC said investment was discussed at their February board meeting, "the details of which remain confidential".

It is now the 647th day of the saga involving a potential overseas investor or "billionaire".

CUOSC added that United have "requested feedback" about the Checkatrade Trophy, whose controversial format is set to be reviewed this summer. The fans' group say this will be the subject of their next supporters' survey.