PAUL Simpson has shared how he will be getting his side prepared for the visit of Northampton Town to Brunton Park.

The Blues will be looking to bounce back from their 3-0 defeat against Neil Critchley's Blackpool last time out in what was Carlisle's fourth league defeat in five. 

Simpson's side now face a packed festive schedule with four games standing between the Blues and the start of the January transfer window where reinforcements can begin to be drafted in. 

In this period, Carlisle will also face fellow relegation zone occupants Cheltenham Town and Fleetwood Town and ahead of this run-in, which begins with the visit of Jon Brady's Cobblers, Simpson has challenged his squad to find their confidence.

Speaking to BBC Radio Cumbria's James Phillips after his side's defeat against the Tangerines at Bloomfield Road, he said: Unfortunately, I can't give them confidence, I don't have that in my locker, we have just got to get a team set up, a team organised, and ready to go.

"We will have a normal week of training with a rest day in the middle of the week and we will go again."