Keith Curle hopes Carlisle United can come out on top in their reunion with former Blues defender Michael Raynes today.

The Crewe defender spent the last two seasons at Brunton Park.

And Curle knows the centre-half can be an influential presence at both ends of the pitch this afternoon.

United's manager said: "If the game was played in both 18-yard boxes Michael Raynes would be a top pick for most managers in this division.

"We're aware of Michael's strengths and, believe it or not, he has got a few frailties as well.

"We know what he is good at and what he doesn't like as well. It's getting that blend right. We think we can cause them problems."

Curle made little secret of his admiration for 29-year-old Raynes, who turned down a new deal at Carlisle in the summer in favour of joining the Railwaymen.

He added: "I enjoyed working with Michael Raynes.

"Some people will pick out things and say Michael Raynes couldn't do this, Michael Raynes couldn't do that.

"But Michael came in with a point to prove, and he developed, enjoyed his time working with us and the challenges we put on him, in terms of asking him to play more football than he'd probably ever played in his life.

"He got the move to Crewe because of how they saw him adapt and be able to handle the football.

"As a professional, a character, as a man, I enjoyed working with him. He brought a lot to the club, sometimes he didn't get the praise and recognition for what he actually did.

"He's a man other young professionals can take good guidance from with his personality, character, approach and ability to play to his strengths."

Neither of today's teams are in great form with Crewe having lost four of their last give games and United claiming just two points from the same period.

Asked if it might be a good time to play David Artell's side as Carlisle seek a much-needed win, Curle said: "I hope their local press is giving them as much stick as what mine is. [If that's the case] they'll be a bit tetchy and nervous.

"Good time, bad time…it's a game of football. With the mental side of the game, we're happy with where we're at. We know we've got frailties, we're not hitting the ground and firing yet, but we know it's coming.

"Crewe have had a couple of negative results, they're still finding their feet, but they've brought some good players into the team.

"Everybody would say what they've been lacking over a period has been that physicality. Now with Michael Raynes, Chris Porter, Chris Dagnall and Jordan Bowery, they've got that now in abundance and experience, and men in the team.

"That gives a platform for their younger players.

"Both teams will want to get the ball down, pass and play in the right areas, and both teams will enjoy that side of it, but both are equipped to do the ugly side of the game if it turns that way."

Curle said he will continue to try different formations and selections in a bid to achieve better form.

United's manager tried a diamond midfield system against Barnet last Saturday.

"We were slightly experimental, and I'm brave enough to try and change different formations and personnel to get that fluidity," he said.

"At the minute we haven't got exactly what I'm looking for because we're not winning games. I'm prepared to change it and keep exploring.

"The early stages of the season are sometimes about ironing out scenarios. Sometimes you have to do that on the negative side of a result but you don't go away from your beliefs.

"The biggest lift we need now is another win. As soon as we [get that], you'll find people will start settling down a bit, saying it's starting to come together, and the environment we're working in becomes a little bit freer and more expressive.

"We all feel the pinch when we don't get back to back victories, and everybody starts looking for a weakness and wanting immediate answers - that's no different whatever division you are in.

"I maintain my beliefs of how I want us to perform. Sometimes you do get tested.

"The easiest thing would be to play gung-ho football, bang it as far as we can to get it away from our goal, but I want longevity, sustainability, to get into our flow and be difficult to score against, and win games.

"Sometimes you need to go through these difficult times but I keep my beliefs."

Curle added that he would be keeping tabs on two trialists who featured in Tuesday's reserve game against Morecambe, although neither have been invited back into training this week.