John Sheridan says he will be careful not to push his players too hard as he attempts to keep his squad intact over the busy festive period.

Carlisle are facing a run of four games in 11 days starting with next Saturday’s long trip to Crawley.

United have been boosted by the return to fitness of the likes of Danny Grainger and Jamie Devitt and Sheridan wants all his key men available for a potentially crucial run.

“Most of it will be short and sharp, getting a bit of sharpness in them,” he said of training.

“But you don’t overrun them. I’ve never been a manager - or liked it as a player - who drags things on.

“Training wise, I’ve just got to be careful, with all the games coming up and with a long journey to Crawley.

“I’ll listen to Paddy [Maher] the fitness coach probably more than I’ll be asking.

“I’ll take on board what he’s trying to tell me.”

Both Grainger and Devitt scored on their returns to the side against Colchester with Tom Parkes also back from injury.