Port Vale manager's views on Carlisle United & Paul Simpson

The Valiants manager has also paid tribute to the job Paul Simpson has done in leading the Blues up to the third tier.

Vale put their four-game unbeaten run on the line against the Cumbrians at Vale Park on Saturday.

Crosby said of the Blues: "In every game so far they've been competitive.

"They've got momentum from last season, they've played Wigan at home, who've had a flying start, and were competitive in that game. They've gone to Oxford and been competitive in that game.

"They've got a few players who have represented us in the past, so that adds a little bit to it as well.

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"[It'll be an] extremely difficult game, like every game we've played so far.

"Every game has its own problems. Each team has different strengths and weaknesses as well.

Port Vale won the 2022 League Two play-off final - a year before Carlisle did the same (Image: PA)

"We're well aware of Carlisle, we'll approach it in the same manner as we have the previous five games we've played."

Port Vale won the League Two play-offs in 2022 and finished 18th in the third tier last term.

Carlisle are hoping to emulate that sort of outcome in their own first season back at this level for a decade.

Crosby says his opposite number Simpson deserves huge praise for his management of the Cumbrians to date.

"I think Paul's done an amazing job at Carlisle, to get them promoted from League Two via the play-offs," he said in a press conference.

"Simmo's had a great career, as a player, an assistant and as manager of Carlisle now.

"He's worked through the leagues at some massive football clubs - so I have massive respect for him and his team.

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"They will see the step up in levels like we found out last season."

Vale, after losing their opening game of the season 7-0 against Barnsley, have won two and drawn one, as well as picking up a Carabao Cup victory.

Crosby is demanding the same qualities tomorrow as his side have shown in their recent outings.

"When you get momentum it's not something you want to let go of loosely," he added.

"We're on a four-game unbeaten run but it's about the next game - can we display the same things we've tried to do in every game, to run, to sweat, to be competitive."