Keith Curle says he won't be distracted by thoughts of emulating his old mentor Clive Middlemass as Carlisle United aim for a piece of Blues history tonight.

If United avoid defeat at Doncaster (Keepmoat Stadium, 7.45pm) it will equal their longest-ever unbeaten start to a Football League season.

That 10-game milestone was set by Middlemass's 1989/90 team.

And the former United manager has a close connection with the current boss, Middlemass having nurtured Curle as a player during their time at Bristol Rovers and Bristol City.

The two remain in regular contact - but Curle insists his only focus is on the task in hand against fourth-placed Donny.

Curle said: "I speak to Clive every Saturday morning, and Clive is a Carlisle supporter.

"He set a record, which shows [Carlisle] had a very good team and manager at the time.

"But will our focus be on that? No. It's an opportunity for us to go and gain three points against a very good team, who've got good pedigree, a good manager and a good budget to work with.

"Things are stacked in their favour, but likewise there's an attitude within our group that we'll take on all-comers."

While United have still to be beaten in 2016/17, they are tonight aiming for a second straight league win for the first time since last November.

If they can topple Darren Ferguson's side the Blues could rise into the automatic promotion places.

Curle, though, believes they will face a Doncaster team desperate to bounce back from their weekend defeat to Luton.

Asked if tonight's game represents Carlisle's toughest task so far in this League Two campaign, Curle said: "Probably - on paper.

"They [Doncaster] will be a wounded animal and will want to try and get back on track.

"That's what football teams do, they look for an immediate reaction.

"I know Darren, and I've got a good idea of how they will set up. They'll be competitive but I know we can cause them big problems.

"They've got good strengths - that’s why they're up there. Got good characters, a good manager, but I like to think Carlisle are very competitive and we're able to challenge a lot of people in this division."

Curle will assess Charlie Wyke, who was substituted with a knee injury during Saturday's 1-0 win over Wycombe, before tonight's clash.

His opposite number Ferguson expects a test from a Blues team he regards as "flexible".

"It'll be a good game for us, a tough one," the Doncaster manager said. "They're a good footballing team, Carlisle."

Under a reciprocal pricing agreement between the two clubs, tickets are £15 (adult) and are available tonight from the academy office near the away turnstiles.

*United, meanwhile, have still to comment on the overseas "billionaire" situation some 12 days after a board meeting.

The club said they would update fans after that meeting but have yet to confirm when a statement will be released.