Paul Simpson will make a personal check on Keith Curle’s Hartlepool United tonight ahead of this weekend’s big game.

The Blues boss will cast his eye over the Monkey Hangers in their home clash with Doncaster Rovers.

It comes four days ahead of United’s visit to Victoria Park.

Curle, Carlisle’s boss from 2014-18, recently took the interim helm at Pools.

He has steered the strugglers to successive draws since taking charge.

That included an impressive two-goal fightback for a 2-2 draw at Mansfield Town last Friday night.

READ MORE: What did we learn from Carlisle United v Crewe Alexandra?

Tonight’s game involves United’s next two opponents, with Doncaster visiting Brunton Park on Saturday week.

Simpson, speaking after Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Crewe Alexandra, said: “I haven’t started looking at Hartlepool but I’ll go on Tuesday night and watch them – they’re at home against Doncaster.

“We had them watched [against Mansfield], we’ll see them again Tuesday, and hopefully I’ll pick a team that’s got life, creativity, energy and a real desire to go to Hartlepool and win.”

Carlisle will take a sell-out away following to Victoria Park in four days' time where they will look to extend a seven-game unbeaten run in League Two.

Curle - a former Wolverhampton Wanderers team-mate of Simpson - recently took charge at second-bottom Pools after they sacked Paul Hartley following a poor start to the season.

They are still awaiting their first win after 11 games, having drawn six and lost five.

Curle has been joined by his ex-Carlisle assistant Colin West at the Suit Direct Stadium, with ex-Blues midfielder Antony Sweeney also part of the coaching set-up.

The former United manager has spoken about his bid to turn things around at the north east club.

“It’s not just about the players, it’s about the attitude of everyone who’s got an affiliation with Hartlepool United,” Curle said in a post-match interview.

“The supporters are desperate for that win. Everyone around the club knows where we are.

“We’re all in this together. We need to get out of this situation we’re in.

“We’ve got to get our home ground bouncing. I’ve been there as a manager previously when it’s been bouncing, and it’s electric. But we’re got to earn that.”

News and Star: United are on two points after their first two Trophy games (photo: Barbara Abbott)United are on two points after their first two Trophy games (photo: Barbara Abbott) (Image: Barbara Abbott)

United’s Papa John’s Trophy fate will grow clearer tonight, meanwhile.

Barrow take on Manchester United’s Under-21s in a Northern Group G which also includes the Blues and Fleetwood Town.

Victory for the Premier League club would see them through as group winners, leaving the three EFL sides fighting for qualification in second place.

A win for the hosts would keep things alive for all four, with United heading to Barrow for their final group game on October 18 and Fleetwood taking on Man Utd U21s on the same evening.