Gavin Skelton insists his sole focus is on Carlisle United’s League Two match against Cambridge as the wait for the next Blues boss goes on.

Caretaker Skelton, who is expected to remain at the temporary helm for the visit of Colin Calderwood’s men to Brunton Park tomorrow (3pm kick-off), says the club’s hierarchy are yet to confirm if he will remain in charge for next weekend’s FA Cup second-round tie at Forest Green.

This week, United said they were seeking a new “head coach”, having had more than 100 applicants, and that an appointment will not be made before the weekend. Director of football David Holdsworth also described the vacancy as one for a head coach, not using the word “manager”.

When asked if Carlisle’s board had given him any indication of when the club’s next boss might be appointed, Carlisle-born Skelton said: “No.

“Before they released the statement on Monday, they rang me and told me the situation. I know as much as you, which is fine.

"They’ve been up front with me, they told me on Monday morning that’s the situation.

"I’m sure they are very busy with the process that is going on."

Michael Bridges remains the bookies’ favourite, although others at short odds include Owen Coyle, Paul Heckingbottom, Neil Redfearn and Skelton himself.

In the meantime, Skelton will hope to lead 20th-placed United to victory against the U’s in his first home game in caretaker charge as the Cumbrians attempt to climb the table.

And the ex-Workington Reds and Queen of the South manager accepts Carlisle need to pick up results.

“Definitely. It doesn’t matter where you are in the league, obviously, you need results, especially at home,” said Skelton.

“We want to go out and get a result, not only for the fans, but also to get as high up the league table as we can.”

Frontman Hallam Hope, who scored twice for Barbados in their 3-0 win against the Cayman Islands on Wednesday, is expected to rejoin United’s squad today and will be assessed after he returned to the UK yesterday.

“Hopefully, he will train today, [but] how much he will train today I’m not too sure. We’ll assess him when he is back at the club," said the 38-year-old.

Midfielder Stefan Scougall is also in contention to feature against Cambridge, according to Skelton, after he played 60 minutes in Tuesday’s 4-0 reserve win at Morecambe while defender Aaron Hayden boosted his chances of stepping up to Carlisle’s side with an eye-catching display against the Shrimps.

“He did well, as did a number of them,” said Skelton on Hayden. “He also did well in a couple of the Leasing.com Trophy games.

"Just because he hasn’t played doesn’t mean he isn’t in our thought process. He is, obviously, knocking on the door.

"Aaron has shown a really good, positive, attitude and he has to continue to do that.”

Opponents Cambridge, who have ex-Carlisle men Jabo Ibehre and Reggie Lambe among their ranks, are 13th in the table, but have not won in their last five fixtures.

But Skelton said: “Sometimes, you do overlook who you are playing. Every game is a tough game.

"It’s about yourself, it’s about how you approach it and, if you aren’t in the right frame of mind, then you don’t give yourself a chance.”