Keith Curle says he will give Jabo Ibehre and Jason Kennedy as long as possible to prove they are ready for Carlisle United's play-off first leg.

Striker Ibehre is nursing a hamstring problem while midfielder Kennedy is in full training as he bids to force his way back into the squad.

Carlisle's boss said he would make a decision on their involvement by Saturday, the day before Exeter's visit in the semi-final clash.

Curle said: "I will give them as much time as possible.

"Jason is back in full training, and just doing extra work with the strength and conditioning coach [Lee Fearn].

"Jabo is in between the physio [Neil Dalton] and the strength and conditioning coach, to find out how much we can push him, and how we can defer that spasm if we are able to.

"If they make it - excellent. If they don't, we've still got a very healthy changing room."

United's players were put through their paces on the training pitch at Brunton Park yesterday as they stepped up preparations for Sunday's first leg.

Cumbrian left-back Patrick Brough is back with the squad after the end of his loan with Salford City, although the Silloth man has continued to train with United during his stint with the Conference North club.

Brough is unlikely to be brought back into the first-team picture for Sunday's tie, while Curle said he would discuss the 21-year-old's future after the play-offs.

Tickets are continuing to sell at a good rate for Sunday's game with nearly 7,000 having been snapped up.

Curle added: "I want the unity that is growing here to spread into the streets of Carlisle. I want the people of Carlisle to come and support their football club. It is a great opportunity to help us progress."