Luke Joyce says the return of midfield partner Mike Jones is like a new signing for Carlisle United as they head for Wycombe today.

The pair have resumed their double act in the middle of the park since Jones returned from an ankle injury in the last two weeks.

Jones' first start since December coincided with United's superb win against leaders Doncaster in midweek.

And Joyce is hoping to build on that progress in Buckinghamshire today (Adams Park, 3pm).

He said: "We played well together in the early part of the season and it was disappointing for him to be out of the team with injury.

"But it's like having a new player back now.

"He gives us a real driving force in midfield and a real will to win, which can only be good for the squad.

"If I'm in the team playing alongside Jonah hopefully we can keep that form going."

Third-placed United are hoping to strengthen their place in the automatic promotion places today against the play-off chasing Chairboys.

It also sees Joyce return to the ground where he was controversially sent off last season.

The 29-year-old said: "To this day I still don't agree with the fact I got a red card that day, but it happened and it has no effect on this game.

"I'll be making sure it doesn't happen again, and there will be no better way than to go back there and get three points.

"I'm sure it will be a battle. Wycombe have some good players and they're a team that like to throw their weight around. It will be two teams fighting to be at the right end of the table.

"They've been on a great run but they've lost a couple recently, so maybe we can make the most of a few confidence issues if we can play on that and put them under pressure."

Joyce says he was relieved that United's display against Doncaster helped put to bed their previous poor showing against Blackpool.

He added: "From my point of view personally I know I played a big part in Blackpool's second goal. We were all desperate to put things right and it knocks you a bit confidence-wise - you can do 10 things great but that one mistake does affect you.

"All you want to do is make sure your next performance is right and we were much happier with Tuesday night. It was a shame we couldn't keep a clean sheet - the Doncaster goal got a touch off me but I won't be putting my hand up for an own-goal - but we feel we've put that Blackpool performance behind us."

Joyce, meanwhile, says talks are continuing over a new contract at Brunton Park. "I had another conversation with the manager last week and it's gone back to the relevant people on the board.

"There's no big stress about it. I'm delighted the club want to tie me down so I'm sure it will get resolved."