Paul Simpson says he expects Carlisle United’s players who are close to suspension to avoid anything "silly" this weekend.

Josh Vela and Jon Mellish are on the brink of a ban through the yellow card totting-up process.

Midfielder Vela’s next booking this season will trigger a three-game suspension for 15 yellows.

And Jon Mellish, should he be cautioned in United’s next two games, will have a two-game ban for ten bookings, with the cut-off for that sanction the 37-game mark.

Manager Simpson, whose side go to Charlton Athletic tomorrow, said the predicament will not affect his selection plans.

But he is asking both players to avoid any needless bookings.

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“I don't think we can be picking and choosing. We've just got to go with it,” said Simpson regarding the players’ availability.

“I asked Jon Mellish [earlier in the season] when he was on four yellow cards, to really think about how he goes about his game and playing with discipline.

News and Star: Jon Mellish is on nine league bookings and must avoid another in the next two gamesJon Mellish is on nine league bookings and must avoid another in the next two games (Image: Barbara Abbott)

“And he was able to get through that that sort of tightrope of getting a suspension for five bookings.

“When in that position now on eight or nine, same as Josh Vela on 13 and 14, I've asked them to play with a discipline.

“And I'll accept it if it's a last-ditch [foul] and you have to take somebody out, but not stupid ones – I don't want those.

“I don't want silly ones for delaying restarts, throwing the ball away, dissent and all of those, I've got no time for those sorts of things.

“And I'll be disappointed if we lose a player on a suspension because of those.”

Simpson said he will continue to select what he feels is the best XI in spite of the suspension worry.

“I’m not going to leave players out because they're on nine or 14 yellow cards,” he stressed.

“I've got to pick the team that I think is right, because we want to get results to give ourselves a chance of picking results up and having some pride back.”