Paul Simpson says Derby County fans have been contacting him personally trying to get tickets for this weekend’s clash with Carlisle United.

But the Blues boss and ex-Rams favourite says he has had to disappoint the supporters of his former club.

Derby have already sold out their 1,546 allocation for Saturday’s trip to Cumbria.

A strong home following is also expected with United opening the Waterworks End terrace for the Blues fans.

There is every chance the fixture will attract Brunton Park’s biggest attendance since Carlisle’s return to League One.

Simpson said it will be all about United handling the footballing challenge rather than getting sucked into the occasion.

“It’s the next one in League One for us, a brilliant game to look forward to,” said Simpson.

“We have to make sure we don’t think about the occasion, we have to think about the game of football and go about it properly.

“We know our supporters will come and back us, and I know what Derby County fans are like – they’re sold out and they’ll be desperately trying to get tickets.

“In fact I’ve had a letter from a Derby fans asking if I can help to get more for them, which I won’t be.

“We want our fans to come in and it’s up to us to put the performance on to keep them singing right through to the end.”

Simpson’s history with Derby is well known with the Blues manager having been a star player for the Rams from 1992-97.

News and Star: Paul Simpson, right, played for Derby from 1992-7Paul Simpson, right, played for Derby from 1992-7 (Image: PA)

He later returned to the Pride Park club as assistant manager to Steve McClaren from 2013 to 2015.

The game will also prove a Rams reunion for two players in the United squad, with Callum Guy and Luke Plange having started their professional careers with Derby.

Simpson said there is no need for Carlisle to feel daunted by the size of opposition heading to Brunton Park this weekend.

"They’re all big games at this level of games but we’re looking forward to it" he said.

"We have to remember that we’re a big club as well.

"We know we’ve got to make sure we’re good on the day and we’ve got to do it properly.

"It’s looking like it’s going to be an incredible crowd with their away fans and our home fans. We’ve just got to continue the good stuff that we’ve been doing and keep building on it."