Paul Simpson says Carlisle United must not underestimate the financial rewards that can accompany FA Cup progress this weekend.

The Blues are hoping to reach the third round for the first time in three campaigns.

League Two rivals Walsall stand between the Blues and £67,000 prize money – plus the possibility of a lucrative third round tie.

Such revenue would prove a major boost to the Cumbrians and manager Simpson says it is one of several reasons he wants to get through on Saturday.

“We’ve got another tough game in the FA Cup that I’m so looking forward to,” he said.

“I like the FA Cup. It’s a really important competition – not only for the history of the FA Cup but the financial rewards we could possibly get if we can get ourselves through.”

Carlisle last reached the third round in the 2019/20 season when Chris Beech’s side took Championship outfit Cardiff City to a replay before going out.

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United set up the Walsall clash by beating fellow fourth-tier side Tranmere Rovers in round one – whilst Walsall picked up an impressive win at League One club Wycombe Wanderers.

Carlisle underlined their league progress last weekend with a fine 4-1 victory at Salford City but Simpson has stressed that his side must not drop their standards in the cup.

“[Last weekend] was a message to the players to get them to believe what they are capable of,” he said. “We have to keep going.

“Long may that continue, that they all keep doing their jobs properly.

“I praised them on the Friday morning before the Salford game. I’d asked questions of them over the previous week-ten days and they were outstanding the way they went about it – the way they looked after themselves, the professionalism.

“I don’t want it to stop though. We have to keep demanding it of each other.”

Simpson and United are assessing the fitness of Morgan Feeney and Fin Back after the defenders went off injured during the Salford victory.

Carlisle’s boss is due to give his latest press conference this afternoon when he will be expected to give an update on the duo.

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