Having won 32 Scotland caps and played his club football for the likes of Celtic and Rangers, Steven Pressley knows a thing or two about playing in front of big crowds.

Today, though, the Carlisle United manager will be in the dug-out for his side’s highly-anticipated match against League Two promotion rivals MK Dons. The Cumbrians yesterday reached their target of an 8,000 crowd for the match at Brunton Park (3pm kick-off) - and now will be looking to surpass it.

“I think, when you arrive at the ground, you can feel the electricity. I think there is no doubt about that,” Pressley admits.

“There are a lot more people there when you arrive, and you can feel the intensity building. There is no doubt that, when you run out to a stadium that is more full, it gives you a greater experience and greater enjoyment.

"We all want to play in full stadiums. It just changes the whole complexity of the situation. It brings an intensity to the game.”

Recalling the greatest atmosphere he can remember playing in, the 45-year-old says: “I remember probably the biggest atmosphere and the biggest crowd I played in front of was Scotland v Germany at Borussia [Dortmund’s] stadium.

"It holds in the region of 70,000 and it was full that night, so it had an amazing atmosphere. We lost 2-1 on the night, which wasn’t the greatest outcome, but the experience of playing there and the atmosphere of the stadium was, obviously, incredible.”

Both Carlisle and Paul Tisdale’s team are eyeing promotion from League Two this term, both sitting in the play-off places. Will the atmosphere help to inspire both sides?

“I think it’s an advantage to the home team,” Pressley replies. “If you can get the right type of performance, with the right type of energy and intensity, where you can build momentum - without doubt - it can help the home team.

“For the away team, they are always thinking ‘Can we silence the crowd, can we make them edgy’’? So, it’s a bit of a double-edged sword but for the home team, if you can build the intensity and build the energy, then I think it plays a massive part in helping you to win games of football.”

United’s #8kforMK campaign, featuring reduced ticket prices, has captured fans’ imagination. It has seen social media videos involving players, posters displayed in the area and businesses donating tickets to schools and community groups.

“It’s fantastic,” says Pressley on the efforts of the club’s media and marketing departments to promote the game.

“That’s why, when you come to the end of the season and achieve promotion, it’s more than just the players. It’s everybody’s efforts within the club to try to get the team over the line.

"I think we all have a part to play. Some people’s parts are highlighted more than others but, make no mistake, everybody has their part to play.

“And they have done a remarkable job to get the players to do what they have asked them to do! I said that to them the other day. They definitely have something on them.

"But it’s great.”

Prior to their match on Tuesday, MK Dons had suffered back-to-back defeats, but Tisdale’s team responded with a 1-0 victory at Newport County to move back within four points of the automatic promotion spots.

“It’s a very good test. They are above us in the league in this moment in time,” Pressley says.

“I know teams sometimes go through indifferent periods as they went through. But obviously, prior to that, they went through a really terrific period. I think, like most teams in this league, you have a period of disappointment.

"But they’ve shown with their result at Newport that their season is back on track. They have a very experienced manager in this league, and a lot of good players. 

“I think they possibly have the strongest squad within the division. I think it’s a big challenge this weekend, but one I can say we’re really excited about.”

Are matches like this, though, an opportunity for a Carlisle team - that won’t be at full strength - a chance to show their promotion credentials?

“It’s a massive chance,” the Blues boss agrees. “These are games at home we have to win.

"At home, I think we should be looking to win every single one of our games. Although they have a strong squad and a strong team, it’s still a game we must look to win.”

Pressley will, of course, have to make do without star man Jamie Devitt for the next three games after his sending off in the 2-1 defeat at Crewe. The Scot is also sweating on the fitness of some other key players.

“I think we have several players,” Pressley says when asked who he will be looking at to replace the Irishman’s creative spark.

“We obviously have [Stefan] Scougall who is a really creative player and a real high-energy player. We have Callum O’Hare who is that type, as well, and there will be a real onus on those types of players.

"[But] everybody has a contribution to make. Once you lose a player of that quality, the other players have to step up.

“They have to take responsibility. We have players who can do that but, of course, it’s a major blow [losing Devitt]. 

“On top of that, we have Nathan Thomas coming in who can play a major role in giving us assists and goals.

"These players are really important and they will have to prove their worth over the coming weeks.”