Former Carlisle United favourite Danny Livesey says Barrow expect to face a Carlisle United side with designs on promotion today.

The centre-half, who is eighth on United's all-time appearance list, is relishing the chance to face his old employers.

Livesey says Barrow will be out to make their mark against Keith Curle's new-look team in this afternoon's pre-season friendly.

And the ex-United skipper says he is intrigued to see if his former club can live up to expectations.

Livesey, who made 333 appearances for Carlisle, said: "When I heard the fixture had been arranged, the memories did start coming back.

"You think about the penalty against Aldershot, winning League Two, the Football League Trophy runs - there was a lot more good than bad.

"My last year there was a bit of a non-year for me but it's always interesting to see what shape Carlisle are in, and you're always excited about playing against your old team.

"It will be interesting to see how they are going. Last year they started off quite well and then faded a bit.

"They have done a fair bit of business over the summer and it will be good to see where we are at against a favoured Carlisle team who are expected to do things this year."

Livesey is preparing for his third campaign at Barrow having been released by ex-United boss Graham Kavanagh in 2014.

He helped the Bluebirds to promotion to the National League and was a regular at the back as they finished 11th in non-league's top tier last term.

This afternoon's game will reunite Livesey with former United team-mates Luke Joyce and Mark Gillespie.

"I was also on a coaching course with Raynesy [Michael Raynes] and I was at Bolton with Mark Ellis many moons ago," Livesey said.

"Otherwise a lot has changed there. I spoke to Colin [Nixon] and Julie, who did the kit, when the floods were happening, and I made a lot of friends up there.

"When I left the club I had the chance to stay in the League, but it was at a time when I felt I had to put my family first, and the Barrow opportunity was an exciting one.

"My aim now is to get back in the League, and hopefully we can do that with Barrow."

Livesey says he is looking forward to his contest with big Blues striker Jabo Ibehre this afternoon.

And he said Barrow will make no apologies if their own physically imposing team do not win prizes for playing attractive football.

"There's no point trying to pretend you're something you're not," Livesey said.

"Football's about winning. It's no use coming off getting beat 4-3. I'd rather win 1-0 and be disgusting all season. I've made a career out of ruining football matches!"