Keith Curle has insisted Carlisle United's sights are firmly on the League Two title race as they try to deal a major blow to one of the chasing pack today.

The Blues could put nine points between themselves and Portsmouth with victory over Pompey in front of a bumper Brunton Park crowd (kick-off 3pm).

But Curle said that, far from being concerned about the clubs in pursuit, United's aim is on overhauling leaders Doncaster and second-placed Plymouth.

The manager said: "Plymouth are three points above us, Doncaster six, and we think they are reachable.

"That's our aim and target. What happens below us, those teams will be looking after their own results.

"Sometimes it's easier to have that chasing mentality. Not so long ago people will have said Doncaster were out of sight, but we still think we can catch them."

Curle's upbeat message came as third-placed United prepared for this afternoon's big six-pointer, which is set to attract a 7,500 crowd.

The prospect of a biggest league attendance of the season so far is strong, with the south coast visitors bringing a four-figure travelling support.

Curle has again banged the drum for bigger attendances at Brunton Park and hopes today's high-stakes contest gets a response from the fanbase.

He said: "If you're not going to come, at least have the decency to tell me why. I'm contactable at the football club and if there is anything I can do to help you come and enjoy your football club, tell me.

"If you're not coming just because you don't like me or the way we're playing, unfortunately there's nothing I can do about that.

"I can't give money away, I can't pick you and I'm not going to pick the team you want to pick.

"So if those are the reasons, I'm sorry. But any other reasons, drop me a line.

"I want the crowd to get bigger and bigger and bigger. I know this club can regularly get over 10,000 if we are playing in League One or the Championship.

"I want Carlisle bouncing. I want people to buy into it. We are nothing without the supporters. They make this football club."

Curle, who revealed he was fined by the Football Association after being sent to the stand at Wycombe last weekend, has no fresh injury worries, although he said skipper Danny Grainger could be just a week to 10 days away from a return after a knee injury.

An unnamed trialist, meanwhile, is set to return to the club in a week's time having trained with the squad this week.