Manager Keith Curle has spoken of the immense debt of gratitude he owes to the man whose Carlisle United record he is aiming to smash tomorrow.

The Blues are bidding to extend their unbeaten start to 11 games against Colchester - which would, in the process, set a new Football League record for the club.

This impressive feat would see Curle surpass the milestone achieved by predecessor Clive Middlemass, whose team set the record in 1989.

And it would be a fitting achievement given the two men have a close relationship in the game.

Middlemass was an influential figure in Curle's early time as a young player with both Bristol clubs.

The Carlisle boss now credits the man who was in charge at Brunton Park from 1987 until 1991 with helping him embark on a playing career that took him to the Premier League and three England caps.

That included the decision to convert the young Curle from a winger to a centre-half, as he went on to make his name in the latter position.

They remain in touch today with Middlemass continuing to offer Curle insight into life at Brunton Park.

Asked if he expected to hear from Middlemass having equalled the record with Tuesday's 2-2 draw at Doncaster, Curle said: "I guarantee it.

"Clive sent me a text on Tuesday. He said, in his opinion, he would settle for a point against Doncaster and three tomorrow, and well done for the three points gained last weekend.

"I've got a fantastic relationship with Clive. He was my mentor as a young lad, and he had a similar outlook in how I needed to develop, which was pleasing.

"I can remember some of the Saturday mornings when I had individual training with Clive before games, working on certain aspects of the game I was going to be needing.

"The time Clive gave up for me is something I have a great deal of respect for. It played a massive part in my career and I do cherish that."

United's encouraging start to the season sees them seventh, but just a point behind second-placed Luton.

Tomorrow's 10th-placed visitors are a point further back in a tight top half of the League Two table.

Colchester, who have gone three games without a win, are the Blues' third opposition in recent weeks to have been relegated from League One last season.

Curle believes the way his team acquitted themselves against the others - Blackpool and Doncaster - shows they are capable of facing any challenge this campaign.

He said: "We're competing against teams, who are plying their trade at the higher reaches of the division, and who have been in the division above.

"We've come through unscathed.

"Look at all the games we've played against teams who were fancied or should be turning us over. Those teams are coming off the pitch feeling lucky [to have got a point].

"Blackpool shouldn't have got back in the game, and on Tuesday, I think Darren [Ferguson, Doncaster manager] understood some aspects of his team were good but we exploited some areas and weaknesses.

"I'm very pleased and proud of the achievement of the players. And let me tell you, the harder you work, the luckier you get.

"Everything we get, we're going to earn, and we don't ask for anything - apart from support."

Curle is continuing to assess the fitness of Derek Asamoah as the veteran bids to rejoin United, while an unnamed former Chelsea player is still training with the club.

A deal to loan out one of the manager's out-of-favour players to a non-league club is expected to be finalised soon.