Keith Curle is eyeing a boost to his January spending power as Carlisle United aim for success in two cups in the space of five days.

Some £28,000 in prize money is at stake as the Blues face ties at Brunton Park in the FA Cup and Checkatrade Trophy.

Tomorrow's clash against Oldham in the former has £18,000 on offer to the winners.

Victory against Fleetwood in the controversial Checkatrade on Wednesday would add a further £10,000 to the Cumbrians' kitty.

United must improve home form that has seen just one Brunton Park victory all season in order to claim the extra cash and progress on two fronts.

The money could prove crucial to Carlisle's spending plans for the next transfer window, with Curle admitting discussions about his January budget will get under way after tomorrow's tie.

"The FA Cup can potentially give added football fortune to the club and the football budget that is not accounted for in the spreadsheets and predicted budget," the manager said.

"A cup run can change the outlook, change the monies available and change the spending power."

Curle has conceded Carlisle will be underdogs against Richie Wellens' League One opponents tomorrow when United and Oldham meet for only the second time in the famous competition.

But he believes the First Round tie against higher-league visitors could reduce the "pressure" on his players, whilst also providing a "springboard" to the Blues' season.

United go into the tie in 16th position in League Two after three straight draws. Their last Brunton Park win came in August against Cheltenham and Curle believes improvement on home soil could change the feel of Carlisle's start to the season.

"If we can get wins out of this next period of home games the picture changes," Curle said.

"People could be saying, from having a stuttering start to the season, that it is an above average start.

"We know what we need to do. We need to win games at home. We are capable of scoring goals home and away. We need to make sure we have the right platform to build from, and who knows where that can go?"

Curle will welcome Shaun Miller back into his squad tomorrow after the striker completed the country's first two-match retrospective diving ban.

The Blues boss is hoping John O'Sullivan and Kelvin Etuhu are close to a return after injury, but Jason Kennedy could again miss out.

United's three loanees - Jack Bonham, Shamal George and James Brown - are all eligible to play for United in the cup, while Mike Jones, Richie Bennett and Clint Hill could face their former club.

The Blues, meanwhile, have warned against a repeat of the firework incident seen at their previous home game against Notts County.

Police have said their "thorough enquiries" are continuing into the incident after a loud bang was heard in the Warwick Road End during the first half of the 1-1 draw on October 21.

A Blues spokesman said: "We are working with the authorities, which in this instance includes the police, to make sure incidents like this are resolved and those who perpetrate this type of action are found.

"This one is firmly in the hands of the police and we will look to work with them and take the appropriate action against the offenders when found."

A spokesman for Cumbria Constabulary added: "Police will be working closely with Carlisle United to limit any further use of pyrotechnics at future matches.

"Fortunately on this occasion nobody was hurt. However, the use of flares can lead to serious injury and therefore will not be tolerated."

Two former United men are hoping to inspire televised FA Cup upsets this weekend, meanwhile.

Ex-Blues defender Darren Kelly is in charge at Evo-Stik Northern Premier side Hyde United as they host MK Dons tonight, live on BBC Two.

And Matt Jansen's National League North outfit Chorley are hoping to dump another League One side out when they host Fleetwood on Monday night, with the game televised on BT Sport.