Keith Curle has admitted Carlisle United are "pushing the limits" of their spending power as the January transfer window looms.

The Blues could add £20,000 to the kitty if they beat Mansfield in the Checkatrade Trophy tonight (Brunton Park, 7.45pm).

The extra revenue could be all important with United having missed out on a third round windfall in the FA Cup.

Curle also admitted the addition of quality players in the summer had taken up much of his budget.

On the prospect of signings in the new year, the United boss said: "I've targeted players, identified players, but I need to have the conversations with the football club to find out exactly what the finances are.

"Make no mistake, we're pushing boundaries, we're pushing limits financially, because of the players we've brought in already - and we will go shopping accordingly.

"We won't go shopping without money to spend.

"It is important now to take stock and know exactly where we are financially. We're trying to make sure that, as and when players do come available for January, we're in a position to make approaches.

"If not, then we carry on working with the players that we’ve got."

While the Trophy has been engulfed in controversy this season over the involvement of Premier League and Championship "B teams", chairman Andrew Jenkins used his weekend programme notes to appeal for fans to attend tonight's game.

The co-owner said it could be a "big money earner" if United make further progress.

But another low crowd is likely at Brunton Park, with some supporters continuing to boycott the competition.

Curle could involve new signings Kevin Wright and Alex McQueen tonight, with keeper Max Crocombe among others hoping for another chance as the Blues bid to reach the last 16.

United's boss said: "It's our next competitive fixture and another opportunity for us to go out and perform.

"We're representing Carlisle United and we're very proud to do so. It doesn’t matter if it's the Checkatrade, the FA Cup, a league game or a game in the car park - if we're asked to play, we'll play it.

"There are lessons to be learned from the Rochdale game that we will pick up. Collectively we can do better than we did in the second half.

"We weren't outclassed but the first goal was all important and we came up against a team who collectively, in units, were better than us."

Tonight's second round tie is in the last regionalised section of the Trophy, with a "free draw" from the third round onwards.