Paul Simpson says Carlisle United won’t change their style of play despite the searing heat today.

Temperatures could reach as high as 29 degrees Celsius by kick-off when the Blues take on Swindon Town at Brunton Park.

Manager Simpson says there are ways of managing the situation when things are so warm.

But he says the intensity which has been a hallmark of United’s early-season style will remain.

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“You can overthink things and try to be a bit too clever about it. We have to play our way,” the Carlisle boss said.

“I think if we play at a high intensity the opposition are going to have try to play at high intensity as well, and hopefully we’re going to be better at it.”

While the heatwave gripping the country is at its most intense further south, Cumbria is still set for a scorching day.

The football authorities have told clubs that drinks breaks can be taken during games this weekend.

Asked if the forecast had affected his preparations in any way, though, Simpson added: “The truth is there’s not a lot you can do.

“Players know how to stay hydrated. We have this thing that if you’re thirsty it’s too late, you’re already dehydrated. You’ve got to start drinking early.

“They’ll be getting their fluids on board, making sure they’re drinking.

News and Star: Corey Whelan, left, should start today but Jayden Harris, right, is an injury doubt (photo: Richard Parkes)Corey Whelan, left, should start today but Jayden Harris, right, is an injury doubt (photo: Richard Parkes)

“We’ve had an email sent from the Football League to say because of the conditions, the referee will discuss it pre-match, with managers and captains, when we do the teamsheets, and if you want to have a drinks break then the officials will facilitate that.

“If it is that [sort of temperature], I imagine we’ll be having a drinks break.

“But the players trained through pre-season when it’s been flipping hot, and they’ve had some games when it’s been hot too.

“The other night [at Shrewsbury] was ridiculous. As a 56-year-old bloke I had to resort to wearing shorts again, which is not pleasant for the supporters to see...

“It’s hot and we have to just get on with it. People talk about, ‘Should we change the training time?’ Well, we can’t change the kick-off time.

“It’s hot and we have to get on with it. We’ll be able to cope with it, it won’t be an issue, we’ll be fine and hopefully able to come through.”

Simpson was yesterday assessing the fitness of Ben Barclay, Jayden Harris and Ryan Edmondson in the hope they can be involved despite injury concerns.

Morgan Feeney is ruled out and Paul Huntington is unlikely to feature at this early stage after joining United this week.

That is likely to mean a first league start of the season for Corey Whelan in defence.

News and Star: Simmo's squad return to Brunton Park after back-to-back away games (photo: Richard Parkes)Simmo's squad return to Brunton Park after back-to-back away games (photo: Richard Parkes)

Ahead of the clash with a Swindon side who include ex-Blues forward Harry McKirdy, Simpson added: “Swindon will come into the weekend with a game plan, we will, and we’ve got to see who’s is the best one and who can adapt differently in the game and deal with it.

“If, after 60-70 minutes our players are breathing out of their backsides because it’s too hot or they’ve ran out of steam, we’ve got five lads on the bench who can come on and we can freshen it up.

“Also you then have to have a bit of knowledge of game management – 'Ok, I’m breathing a bit heavy, or it’s really hot, and I need to be a bit more sensible with my running, and with the football, maybe keep it and dictate play a bit differently...'

“It’s knowledge of football that will get them through it. Hopefully we’ve got more players with the knowledge than Swindon do.”