Kelvin Etuhu says Carlisle United’s players must keep avoiding the league table despite their promising burst of form.

The Blues’ four straight wins have put them eighth – just a point off the play-off places and three from the automatic zone.

Their string of victories in December has given their chances a serious boost heading into 2019, which starts with a trip to Morecambe tomorrow.

Midfielder Etuhu, though, believes it would be wrong to look too far ahead.

“The lads believe, but we just take each game as it comes,” he said.

“We won’t get carried away. We just have to make sure we do our job each time we get an opposition in front of us - and stay away from looking at the league.

“We should just focus on our performances and getting results.”

Etuhu believes United’s togetherness was a key factor in their 2-1 win over Macclesfield on Saturday.

Jerry Yates’ late winner made it 12 points from 12 for John Sheridan’s side.

Etuhu said: “It’s a good set of lads who all want to give 110 per cent and we’re all together, working hard and getting a bit of luck.

“It was a grind on Saturday, but we got the result, and those results are sweet, because when you put in all the effort, and you can win games when it’s not going the best at times, it shows good resilience from the team.

“Macclesfield were a good side, very well drilled and kept the ball well. It was a tough game - we always knew it would be.

“Goals are important at certain times and it was a brilliant goal from Hallam [Hope who equalised in the 44th minute] – the quality and timing of it gave us a lift.

“Hallam’s been doing brilliant for us so it’s nice to see him getting on the scoresheet again.

“We keep pushing to the last second. We did believe we could get a goal and it was brilliant to get that one from Jerry Yates.”

Etuhu, 30, has made 25 appearances so far this term – more than each of his last three campaigns already.

The midfielder admits he is enjoying his second Blues season much more than his injury-hit first.

“I feel ok. I just keep giving my best on the pitch, take each games as it comes, doing the simple things and working hard,” he said.

“This season’s a lot better. Last season was stop-start and quite difficult for me, but this one has been better with a run of games.

 “Any time I got going last season I’d break down again, but this season has been more consistent. I’ve stayed fit for most of the season and long may it continue.

“The staff, Dolly [physio Neil Dalton] and Paddy [Maher, fitness coach] have been brilliant with recovery, getting the prehab right for myself and the other lads.”

Etuhu believes tomorrow’s game against 20th-placed Morecambe, in front of a bumper travelling support, will be a tough battle.

He added: “It’s not going to be easy and rosy every week, we just need to make sure we stick to our jobs and give 110 per cent every game.

“It will be nice to play in front of all those fans, [but] it’s going to be a tough game. Morecambe are a good side and will give 110 per cent as you know Morecambe teams do.”

On United’s own form the former Manchester City and Bury man added: “Everyone who steps on the pitch wants to give 110 per cent and help each other out.

“If someone makes a mistake people are making those runs to get back in and help a team-mate out.

“It’s important, with lots of games coming up, to do the basics well.”