Grimsby Town boss Paul Hurst has described Carlisle United as League Two's biggest surprise package this season.

Ahead of this afternoon's clash at Brunton Park, the Mariners manager says Paul Simpson's side have defied pre-season expectations.

Grimsby head to Carlisle on the back of Wednesday's FA Cup win over Southampton - but Hurst expects a serious test on their return to League Two action.

“Our opponents are one, in good form, and two, having a fantastic season overall so full credit to Paul Simpson, his staff and his players," said Hurst.

"In my mind at least, [they are] the biggest surprise in League Two this year, and I mean that kindly, because not many people would’ve even had Carlisle in the play-offs this season, so they’re doing extremely well.”

Hurst told Humberside Sport that he could make changes in the wake of their cup heroics.

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He added: "We’ve got one player that started the other night that is unavailable to us with an injury, but it’s nothing major and hopefully they’ll be back for Tuesday night.

"The rest that were fit and available remain so.

“If changes are made it will be because the players coming in are good enough to play, and not out of necessity, because the squad is relatively healthy at the moment."

Hurst is also hoping there is no hangover from their memorable cup exploits. The boss of the 16th-placed side added: "The fans should expect effort and commitment from us, the same as always, but performance-wise, you never truly know, you just live in hope once that first whistle blows.

"The effort always has to be there though and as far as I’m concerned there are no excuses on that front, you can always run around and give everything no matter what."