Blues boss Steven Pressley says his team must stand up for themselves against Newport’s robust style this weekend.

The Exiles have ruffled the feathers of a host of big sides at Rodney Parade this season – leading to cup victories against Middlesbrough and Leicester.

Now United must overcome Mike Flynn’s men in order to get their League Two promotion push back on track.

Manager Pressley says that task will involve his team being ready for the kind of examination Newport typically set.

“They are a team that really ask questions of you in what I would consider the basics of football,” United’s boss said.

“They cross a lot, put a lot of balls in the box, continuously ask questions and while we have to try and stop them at source, part of these games are not so much about tactical preparation, but psychological preparation.

“It’s about being in the right frame mentally for what they’re going to throw at us, and stand up to the game.

“If we don’t stand up to what they throw at us, we’ll never win the game.”

Carlisle, a point outside the play-off places are seeking a first win in five.

While their 15th-placed hosts are eight points adrift of the top seven, they have a dangerous strikeforce in the form of 20-goal Padraig Amond and 17-goal Jamille Matt.

Pressley also admitted he is an admirer of their manager Flynn for the job he has done since taking over from Graham Westley in 2017.

“They’ve got a very shrewd manager – he’s done a wonderful job since going in there,” United’s boss added.

“He came in when they were at risk of relegation, managed to stave that off, and year on year has made progress.

“They’re more than capable of putting together a string of results. Make no mistake, this is a real test for us.

“The cup has probably been a distraction to their league form but they’re a very good team. They’re very strong at home.

“The cup [run they have had] is not just the distraction, it’s the physical effect it has on your team. To compete with the big teams takes huge physical efforts and then you have to get yourselves prepared for the weekend.

“They’ve had to deal with that but from a managerial point of view he’s done a really amazing job there.”

Pressley, meanwhile, said he was not concerned about the quality of the Rodney Parade pitch, which has often been heavy on United’s previous visits.

“It’s part and parcel of football – you have to deal with what’s thrown at you and stand up to it,” he said.

“Yes, we’re a footballing side but we have to adapt to the situation. We’ve prepared with that in mind, and on all aspects we think is going to come our way. Now we have to deal with that.”

United’s boss also said he wanted to reward the club’s fans who are set to make their second long away journey on successive weekends. The Blues were at Colchester last Saturday.

On the support his side receives, he said: “It’s amazing, and that’s why we’ve got a responsibility at this club.

“Of course we have the responsibility – at home and when we play away from home – not to disappoint, because it’s a big commitment to support Carlisle.

“Make no mistake about it, you have to show real commitment. Because of that we need to be reciprocal with our performances.

“You can always lose games of football – not that we ever want to – but one thing you can’t do is disappoint the supporters with a lack of effort.”