Paul Simpson has issued a call for consistency as Carlisle United aim to add an FA Cup run - and useful prize money - to their good start to the league season.

A week after defeating Tranmere in League Two, the Blues take on the Wirral outfit again in the cup’s first round tomorrow (Brunton Park, 3pm).

It gives Simpson’s side the opportunity to make progress on a second front having returned to their division’s play-off places with last weekend’s 2-0 win at Prenton Park.

And it also sees £41,000 in prize money up for grabs.

Their performance at Tranmere delighted Simpson after a period of three defeats in all competitions.

READ MORE: Remembering Carlisle's classic FA Cup win over Tranmere in 1997

The manager says his team must now remain focused having underlined their quality and spirit for the latest time in 2022/23.

“It’s more the response to the previous three games that really pleased me at Tranmere,” Simpson said.

“The fact it got us to 27 points [after 16 games] is huge.

“Now we’ve got to keep driving each other on, drive those standards, make sure everyone stays properly focused.

“This weekend isn’t about points but being in the second round of the cup – hopefully we get a good crowd at home and we send the fans home as happy as we did [last weekend].”

Simpson is hoping to have Callum Guy fit for the tie after the midfielder went off with a groin injury in the second half of the Tranmere win.

Jordan Gibson will be back available after suspension, but Simpson may opt to give Taylor Charters another opportunity after the west Cumbrian midfielder impressed at Tranmere.

Fin Back could also return after missing the win with a virus, Jack Ellis having caught the eye with an excellent showing in his place at right wing-back.

For Micky Mellon's Tranmere, it will be a first game back at Brunton Park for Southampton loan defender Dynel Simeu after his popular spell with the Blues last season.

Prize money of £41,000 is available for the winners of this weekend’s tie.

Whether or not Simpson opts to make any further changes to his side, he has stressed he will be treating the cup with maximum seriousness.

“The FA Cup is a totally different game [to last weekend’s game at Tranmere] – we will prepare as we normally would and do what we believe is the right thing to do,” United’s manager said.

On his team’s bright start to the campaign, Simpson added: “The higher you go the better the level of consistency is with players – that’s why they get paid the big bucks.

“These lads have shown us so far over this season that to be sat in the play-off places with 27 points…that’s a fantastic return. We’ve got to keep it going.”

It is United’s first FA Cup meeting with Tranmere since 2001, when the Blues lost 6-1 in the second round at Prenton Park.

Should the game end in a draw, a replay will mean the clubs will face each other three times in the space of 17 days.