Paul Simpson says the rigours of another long journey for Carlisle United cannot be a factor in how his team performs.

The Blues boss says it would be an “excuse” to highlight any potential fatigue from the latest round trip of several hundred miles.

Promotion-chasing United make the trip to Swindon Town this weekend, after recent long journeys to AFC Wimbledon and Crawley Town.

They have more to come with away games at Gillingham and Leyton Orient in the next three weeks.

But Simpson said Carlisle’s preparations mean the effect of all the hours on the road is minimised.

“I think fatigue’s an excuse, and I don't like excuses,” Simpson said.

“That will not be something that I'm talking about, and I certainly don't want any players talking about that.

“We structure the training weeks so that we're going into games with energy.”

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United’s game at Swindon entails a 537-mile round trip for the team and many of their fans.

It is simply part of the package of being involved with the Blues, Simpson added.

“We know at Carlisle United, we're going to have long trips,” he told BBC Cumbria at his latest press conference.

“That's part and parcel of it. That’s part and parcel of our preparation.

“The players will get plenty of rest time and we'll do the work that needs to be done and hope that they go out there, perform to the levels that they're capable of, and if we do that, we'll be ok.”

Simpson wants Carlisle to maintain their positive recent form when they go to the County Ground.

The second-placed Blues are seeking a fourth straight win.

“We've talked all season about giving ourselves a platform to go into the run-in and we've certainly given ourselves a good platform and we're in a good place,” the manager added.

“The players are playing with real confidence and belief in themselves and in each other, and the challenge for us is to try and get four consecutive wins.

“We need to keep pushing on and I really do believe that the team that has the most consistent run of wins will be the team that comes into the top places and gets out of this league.”