Keith Curle has hailed the dedication of some of his players and staff for playing and working through difficult personal times.

The United manager's salute followed winger Nicky Adams' revelation that his dad is battling cancer.

It follows two recent bereavements suffered in the United ranks, with Curle's No2 Colin West having recently lost his father, and defender Gary Liddle's nana having also passed away.

Curle said their professionalism in tough times has been admirable.

Curle said: "It's an emotional time for players and their families, and Colin as well.

"The appreciation from me as their manager for what they do, and how they're able to cope with it, is immense.

"They are human. We want to look after everyone affiliated to the club. We are very thankful to them and we do hurt together when certain things happen."

Curle, meanwhile, says Carlisle will be up for the battle against Gareth Ainsworth's Wycombe today.

Recent meetings with the Chairboys have been feisty encounters, with red cards and clashes between the respective benches.

The Blues boss said: "We won't take a backward step - on the pitch, in the dugouts, getting off the coach, in the tunnel, wherever you want.

"We are a very competitive outfit. We are going to Wycombe with the opportunity to get three points.

"They have said they aren't happy with their recent run of results and that they haven't been at the top of their game - they've made a couple of mistakes and it's cost them. We know only too well what that's like.

"We are still looking up. Luton play Doncaster this weekend and if we take care of our business, we could be getting closer to teams above us."

Youth keeper Morgan Bacon is set to be on the bench again with Max Crocombe still out after a back spasm.

Wycombe boss Ainsworth is facing a Football Association misconduct charge where it is alleged he used abusive and/or insulting words to an official towards the end of their defeat to Crewe on Tuesday. He has until 6pm on February 21 to respond.