Keith Curle admits trimming his Carlisle United squad is a "gamble" - but said there could be reinforcements on the way.

The Blues boss, whose unbeaten side host Wycombe today (Brunton Park, 3pm), hinted at a second loan departure after Russell Penn's move to Gateshead.

That would deplete an already small squad - but Curle is also chasing additions, and said short-term moves like Penn's could free up temporary space on the budget.

Curle said: "It's a slight gamble, because we've got a small squad, but it's a gamble I'm prepared to take, because within a month, Russell will be up to speed and, if needed, will be match fit and up to tempo.

"There is potentially another player going out on loan next week as well, for exactly the same rationale.

"It might be two out, one in. We're looking to get the players game time, but ultimately to assist us."

Curle remains in discussions with Derek Asamoah and has not ruled out a return for the veteran striker.

The United boss is also considering a deal for an unnamed trialist who was once on Chelsea's books.

On Asamoah, Curle said: "It is whether I can use him as an impact player, or sometimes playing the role he did in other games as a lone striker, using that lightning pace to make the pitch big and allow our footballing players to create space in midfield.

"It's an option we're looking to bring in. But there are other options out there that have got pace.

"Derek's got good skill sets and dynamics, but we've got a different group now and it's about me making sure I'm happy with the blend.

"I've got a budget to work to, and it's not just filling a seat in the stands - it's got to be a necessity."

The manager, meanwhile, is eyeing victory today after Carlisle's recent run of draws.

United are just two games away from equalling the club's longest unbeaten start to a Football League season.

But Curle said: "Being undefeated is always nice, and shows something that wasn't there when we first walked into the building - but I'm here to gain points and build momentum.

"We're one win away from having a fantastic start to the season, likewise we're one defeat away from having an average start and being mid-table. That's the fine margin.

"If you look at the games where we felt we did enough to win, we should be comfortably top of the table, which shows how close we are to being where we want to be.

"There are certain things in games we're not happy with, that we do work on. But the players are giving me everything they've got."

On today's 19th-placed visitors - yet to win away this term - Curle said: "They won't lie down. I know Gareth [Ainsworth] and how his teams have played in recent years.

"They resemble him - very hard-working, in your face, up and at 'em, know their roles, won't turn down a long pass or the opportunity to put the ball into areas, and they will join in quickly and flood those areas.

"We have to stand up and match that before we play how we want to play."

Recent games have often seen Curle make half-time changes and the manager insisted he would not hesitate to do the same again.

"If things aren't going how want them to work, am I brave enough to change them? Yes, that's what I'm paid to do.

"Wycombe won't have a clue what formation and personnel we're playing. They might look at how other teams have got favourable results against us. But if they play a pressing game we'll have a game plan, and if they sit back we'll have a game plan.

"If they want to make it an open, expansive game of football...enjoy your afternoon."

Curle, meanwhile, explained his decision to field youth keeper Lee Ashton in Tuesday's reserve friendly at Oldham instead of second-choice senior keeper Max Crocombe.

Curle said: "It was an opportunity for the young lad to step up, after we have had some good reports about him.

"It was also important for us to look at him in case we ever lose Max to an international call-up [with New Zealand] or injury in the future.

"Because we have had a free week, [coach] Simon Tracey was able to get some more detailed and physical work into Max.

"We felt that having a game on top of it might be detrimental."