Keith Curle has welcomed Hallam Hope's return to form for Carlisle United - after claiming the forward was "affected" by criticism from fans earlier in the campaign.

The summer signing has impressed in a left-sided role in the Blues' run of three straight wins.

Hope grabbed the winner in last weekend's 1-0 victory at Yeovil, his 10th goal of the season.

Curle insisted the former Everton and Bury man could yet return to a central striker position but admitted the attacking midfield position on the left had helped 23-year-old Hope regain his confidence.

"Hallam's a confidence player," Curle said.

"No mistake about it, he was affected by some of the adverse supporter reaction that he got when he was trying to ply his trade as a centre-forward.

"I don't think anybody plays to their best when they have doubts.

"Sometimes, to rebuild confidence, you have to go back to something that's familiar.

"At the minute he's playing on the left, which is a familiar role he's more accustomed to.

"Why Hallam got put out there is because of his work ethic, and his willingness to work.

"He still sees himself as being able to add more to his game, such as playing off the centre-forward.

"At the beginning of the season we didn't have that blend of a reliable, consistent, dependable centre-forward that we could play off, and he suffered because of that.

"But because of his work ethic and his familiarity with the [left-sided] position, he's found another role, and another way to get back into the team.

"Do I see that Hallam's days as a centre-forward have gone? No, I don't. With his attributes, he could play as a one up front, or part of a two or a front three.

"He's got key attributes he can fill in those positions."

Hope could again start on the left today against a 20th-placed Grimsby side seeking their first win in 15 matches.

United's last three games have all been against strugglers in Chesterfield, Barnet and Yeovil.

Manager Curle said: "Recently all the teams we've been playing around the bottom have had different reasons why they were desperate for wins.

"We are also desperate for wins for our own reasons.

"We don't focus too much on the opposition. We will pay them a lot of respect but we're mindful of what we want to do. We need to maintain the good form and continue that momentum.

"The support we had at home against Chesterfield, and away at Barnet and Yeovil, was phenomenal. That sort of support keeps the belief in the players."

Ex-Blues midfielder James Berrett will be in the Grimsby squad.