Carlisle chasing cup-tie booster.

Byline: By Simon Rushworth

Carlisle return to Conference Cup action at Morecambe tonight with Paul Simpson confident his depleted squad can maintain their knock-out form.

The Cumbrians have performed impressively in both the FA Cup and FA Trophy and Simpson will seek to edge a step closer to League Cup success in Lancashire despite the absence of England amateur international Karl Hawley.

"Karl is on international duty this week and Simon Grand, who would otherwise have joined him, is injured," said Simpson.

"Chris Billy is still two or three weeks away and we'll only have 14 fit players available for selection against Morecambe.

"Even so we've talked about the slip-up against Gravesend on Saturday and now it's a case of getting things right for a final push. That starts this week."

Hawley's call-up was a factor in the seemingly controversial decision to replace the cautioned Magno Vieira against Gravesend on Saturday.

And although Simpson admitted he was shocked at the reaction of certain United supporters to a smart tactical move he added: "I won't dwell on it.

"It was a frustrating afternoon. We have to accept what happened and get on with it." Yesterday, Simpson, was locked in talks with winger Simon Hackney and the Woodley player is expected to complete a move to Brunton Park later this week.