Tommy Wright says he and John Sheridan will not pile the financial pressure of FA Cup progress on their Carlisle United players today.

This afternoon’s second round clash at Lincoln could have major implications on United’s season given the potential rewards on offer.

Victory at Sincil Bank will secure £54,000 prize money and the chance to land a money-spinning tie against a Premier League club in the third round.

That could transform United's fortunes in a season they are operating on a tight budget.

Assistant manager Wright said the Blues are under no illusions about the high stakes – but won’t force the financial aspect down the players’ throats.

“We understand the situation and surely every manager and coach does, when it comes to the FA Cup,” Wright said.

“We know how much this is worth, and if we get to the third round we might get a biggie.

“We know that and it is a bit of added pressure – but you try and take it away from the players.

“I don’t think the players will think about it too much and it shouldn’t be a problem.”

United must again cope without Ashley Nadesan today with Fleetwood unwilling to give permission for the top scorer to play for the Blues in the cup.

Their other loanees can, though, feature against Danny Cowley’s Imps, who are second in League Two.

Lincoln have been a formidable fourth-tier side so far this season although United held them to a 2-2 draw at Sincil Bank in October.

Wright admits the hosts will be fancied to go through but believes United can prevail.

“It’s an opportunity,” the Scot said.

“They are a tough team, a good team and good at what they do.

“If we’re not on our game we’ll get punished – but if we’re on our game we can punish them.

“It comes down to who brings their A-game.

“Lincoln will be slight favourites, or maybe bigger favourites because they’re near the top of the league and at home, but we’ve been there [recently] and had a good result, so we’ll go there with confidence.”

Wright says the recent encounter with Lincoln, which saw Nadesan score twice, offers some insight into what to expect.

“We looked good on the counter-attack against them,” he said.

“We know they have a set way of playing and are good at it – very organised and everybody knows their job in the team.

“It will be a difficult game but a difficult game for them as well.

“It is a great opportunity for everyone and Lincoln will be thinking the same. They’ve had a good couple of cup runs in the last couple of years.

“I think it will be an open game.”

Lincoln, who famously reached the quarter-finals in 2017 before bowing out against Arsenal, are expecting another big home crowd this afternoon.

Manager Cowley said: “We’ve had one tough game against Carlisle this season and we’re expecting another one, so we need the supporters to turn out in force.”