Keith Millen says he has noticed a better atmosphere at Brunton Park in recent weeks.

The Carlisle United manager says there has been a more “positive” feeling at the ground.

The Blues return to their stadium today to take on promotion-chasing Sutton United (kick-off 3pm).

Carlisle are aiming to increase the gap to the bottom two to 11 points this afternoon.

Millen’s side are winless in three but remain well placed to pull further away from trouble.

And the manager says he believes fans have responded to United’s overall improvement over the winter.

“In the last few home games I’ve noticed a different atmosphere around the ground,” Millen said.

“It’s been very positive and supportive.

“The away fans have been brilliant since I’ve been at the club, but I’ve noticed a change in the last few home games.

“We have a big part to play in that with our performance on the pitch. It’s down to us to set the tone and I think if we do that then the fans appreciate it and get behind us.”

United start the weekend in 20th position and hoping to maintain or increase the gap between themselves and rivals below them.

It promises to be another important afternoon in the survival battle, with bottom side Oldham Athletic taking on Rochdale in John Sheridan’s first game back in charge, while second-bottom Scunthorpe United go to Port Vale, Colchester United host Swindon Town and Barrow AFC travel to Newport County.

Carlisle take on a Sutton side who have taken impressively to life in the EFL since last season’s National League title success.

Matt Gray's side sit fourth and are unbeaten in eight games in all competitions, though they are without an away win in five.

News and Star: United were beaten 4-0 at Sutton in September (photo: Richard Parkes)United were beaten 4-0 at Sutton in September (photo: Richard Parkes) (Image: Richard Parkes)

The Gander Green Lane side thrashed Chris Beech’s Blues 4-0 in September – but Millen said he is not bringing that defeat up in the build-up to today’s encounter.

“I haven’t mentioned it,” he said. “It was obviously before I arrived and I don’t really look back on things that happened when I wasn’t here.

“In the away game it was obviously a bad performance and result, so it might give the players some incentive or a gee up, but we’re a different team now in a different place.

“I’ll just focus on what we’re doing, we won’t talk about that previous game.”

Millen could involve new loan defender Dynel Simeu in the squad for the first time today.

Joel Senior is likely to make his first Brunton Park start at right-back in the absence of Kelvin Mellor.