Gavin Skelton says Carlisle United should be excited by the prospect of such a “big week” on the road.

The Blues start an away double-header tonight when they go to Mansfield Town (One Call Stadium, 7;45pm).

It is followed by a six-pointer against bottom-four rivals Stevenage on Saturday.

Keith Millen’s No2 admits there is no disguising the importance of the League Two games as United bid to boost their efforts to climb the table.

But the assistant boss insists it is something to embrace – not regard as “make or break” regarding the third-bottom Blues’ prospects.

“It’s an exciting week as well,” Skelton said.

“It’s a big week and an important week and has that edge to it.

News and Star: Gavin Skelton (photo: Richard Parkes)Gavin Skelton (photo: Richard Parkes)

“We’re all conscious it’s a big week. It doesn’t make or break the season at all, but we’ve won our last league game and we want to continue that.”

United tonight face a Stags side under Nigel Clough who are impressive form as they improve from a slow start to 2021/22.

The hosts have won seven of their last eight games in all competitions and have climbed to 15th, seven points above the Cumbrians.

Skelton added: “It doesn’t matter who we're playing at this stage.

“Mansfield have a good squad, they won [on Saturday, against Doncaster in the FA Cup], they’ve had a good run of results and they’ve got good players so were conscious of that.

“But in the last couple of games we’ve shown we’ve got good players as well. We’re confident we can go there and compete.

“Saturday will take care of itself after [tonight], and we look forward to the challenge.”

United have been checking on the fitness of Zach Clough and Kelvin Mellor after both went off in the first half of Saturday’s cup defeat to Shrewsbury.

News and Star: Jordan Gibson could come back into the side tonight (photo: Richard Parkes)Jordan Gibson could come back into the side tonight (photo: Richard Parkes)

Jon Mellish is available after completing a three-match suspension, while Jordan Gibson could come back into the starting line-up.

Skelton believes United must build on the confidence gained from their last league game – the late 1-0 victory over Walsall.

He added: “It’s good to have Saturday-Tuesday games. It’s hard to train at this stage of the season anyway so we’re pleased to have the games.

“It’s an exciting week and we’ll obviously be looking to get some more points on the board.”

Skelton, meanwhile, has spoken for the first time about working under Millen.

The Cumbrian oversaw three games as caretaker boss after the sacking of Chris Beech, before reverting to his assistant position under new manager Millen.

“I’m enjoying it,” he said. “You always adapt. I feel I’m experienced enough to adapt, and he’s been very respectful to me, which I appreciate.”