Paul Simpson says Carlisle United’s “brilliant” travelling support deserve to be rewarded at Hartlepool United today.

A vocal sell-out following will back the Blues against Keith Curle’s Monkey Hangers (Suit Direct Stadium, 3pm).

And while United manager Simpson expects the home support to create a lively atmosphere, he wants Carlisle’s 685-strong faithful to be smiling come full-time.

“It’s huge – for our players to go out and see that sort of support is brilliant,” said Simpson.

“We know the players know how difficult it is for supporters to get to away games, and while some people probably laugh at taking 144 to Grimsby, that is brilliant.

LISTEN: Simmo on Hartlepool, injuries, fans and Curle

“If you’ve got 144 supporters prepared to go on a cold Tuesday night, that’s loyalty to the club.

“We’ll have that again at Hartlepool. And we’ve just got to make sure we put in a performance that keeps them smiling.”

United have taken more than a thousand fans to Victoria Park in past campaigns but the north east club provided a reduced away allocation this time around.

On the pitch, Simpson will have Ryan Edmondson and Ben Barclay available for recalls to the squad, with Callum Guy fit to continue despite an ankle knock he suffered against Crewe Alexandra last weekend.

Tenth-placed United are hoping to go eight league games unbeaten for the first time since 2018 – when Curle was their manager – with fifth-bottom Pools hoping for a fourth game without defeat since the ex-Blues boss took interim charge.

READ MORE: What Keith Curle said about Carlisle United ahead of Hartlepool clash 

Carlisle, having beaten Grimsby Town in their previous away game, are hoping for another positive day on the road.

“That’s a [good example of] starting a game properly,” added Simpson.

“We know we’re going into an atmosphere where their supporters will get behind them – just like ours will with us,

“We’ll have that section behind the goal, and I know our supporters will get behind us.

“We’ve got to make sure that we start properly and, if any supporters lose enthusiasm, it’s the Hartlepool ones and ours stay with us, and give our players a real lift to carry on.”