New boy Peter Grant insists Carlisle United’s belief that they can remain firmly in the promotion hunt has not dipped.

The debutant defender also says Steven Pressley’s new-look side will show no fear when they try to get back to winning ways at top-seven rivals Colchester.

The Blues’ march into the upper reaches of League Two has been checked by three games without a win.

They remain in the play-off places, though, ahead of this week’s sixth-v-seventh clash in Essex.

Grant, who made his first appearance in last weekend’s defeat to MK Dons, said: “We know how tough it’s going to be – Colchester are doing really well themselves, especially at home – but we’ve got no fear going there.

“We know we can go and beat anyone if we stick to our gameplan and play to our capabilities.

“Every player should want to be in this position, challenging for promotions.”

Asked if the 3-2 reverse to MK, which came four days after defeat at Crewe, risked deflating the dressing room, ex-Plymouth centre-half Grant said: “With the group of boys in there, that’s not gonna happen.

“We know we’re in a good position in the table.

“Everything is very tight for every team in that pack at the moment and just outside it.

“We don’t look too far in front. Our most important game now is Colchester. [Last] Saturday is done with but we will look to the things we can take positives from and improve from.

“Everything is still to play for and the boys are up there for a reason. They’ve worked so hard and played so well to get there.

“You see it at higher levels, when top teams always have maybe a couple of games where they feel they can do better.

“That’s not gonna be a problem for us. We’ll go down there hoping to put on a good performance and come away with the points we feel we can get.”

Grant stepped into the side in the absence of Tom Parkes, who remains a doubt for United’s encounter with John McGreal’s side due to a groin injury.

The 24-year-old January signing says it was essential he was ready for action at any moment, and now hopes to have a run in Pressley’s promotion-chasing team.

“Unfortunately big Tom felt something from the previous game, and I think it’s important for every player when you’re out of the side that you’ve got to be ready,” he added.

“You know how football can change so quickly. I’ve been making sure I’m in the best condition I can be for when called upon. If you don’t do that, and come into the deep end, it can go a bad way for you.

“I felt good fitness-wise and I was happy to be on the pitch with the boys for the first time, and to get a full game under my belt.”

Former Falkirk player Grant, meanwhile, says he has been quick to feel at home at Brunton Park since his move before the transfer deadline.

“From the staff down to the boys and the people around the club, everyone has been so welcoming – after my first couple of days it felt like I’d been here all season,” he said.

“There’s a great feeling about the place, it’s great to come into work every day with a smile on your face.

“You can’t ask for anything more, and I’m hoping I can add on a personal level my qualities to the team, and get us where we want to be come the end of the season.”