Rod McDonald is expecting a difficult test on his return to “fortress” Brunton Park.

The Crewe Alexandra defender will take on his former club this weekend after spending the two previous campaigns with Carlisle United.

McDonald and Kelvin Mellor joined the relegated Railwaymen after being released by Paul Simpson at the end of last season.

And the experienced centre-half says it will be a tough challenge, because Carlisle’s ground can be a stronghold.

“I’m excited to go back and see some familiar faces,” said McDonald. I’ve still got quite a few friends there, and quite a few friends who are still playing.

“He [Paul Simpson] came in and did well, and steadied the ship. We were down there at the end of last year and he got us to a safe place, and he’s started the season well.

“I think Carlisle will do what they do every game – hard-working, aggressive, on the front foot, and it will be a tough place to go, because Brunton Park can be a fortress at times.”

McDonald made 66 appearances for United over two campaigns.

He then linked up with Alex Morris’s Crewe and has been a regular at the back for the club so far in 2022/23.

Saturday's visitors are hoping to bounce back from a late home defeat to Mansfield Town last time out.

READ MORE: Simmo looks ahead to visit of Crewe and their ex-Blues duo

“It was a kick in the teeth but hopefully this season we’re going to do that to teams as well,” said McDonald at a press conference.

“In football you never want to lose two on the bounce.

“We’ve played a lot of teams at the top, but I think we’ve just been a bit unlucky, maybe a bit naïve from the team being a bit young, but we’re learning and I think we will get stronger and stronger.”

Crewe will be without Callum Ainley, who is sidelined with a shoulder injury, with Oli Finney, Charlie Colkett and Chris Long also out.

But Eli King and Zac Williams are back from Wales Under-21 duty.