Sam Lavelle believes Carlisle United are currently playing at “about 50-60 per cent” of their capabilities – and says further progress is in their reach.

The Blues head to Lincoln City this weekend hoping to build on their last two outings which have brought a win and a draw (LNER Stadium, 3pm).

United’s improvement in League One will be put to the test by a strong Imps side but defender Lavelle says their battling efforts at Stevenage last time out say positive things about the team’s character.

“I think it showed again that we can compete against the top teams,” he said of the 2-2 draw.

“If they [Stevenage] are top of the league there’s no reason why we couldn’t beat them on our day.

“I think we’re at 50-60 per cent as a team, if I’m honest, but there are good signs that we’re getting points against good teams. It was the same against Wigan at home. They’re a top team but I think we battered them in the second half.

  • Subscribers can read an in-depth interview with Sam Lavelle HERE

“All these little things are ticking boxes and they’re positives.”

Lavelle says Carlisle can increase their performance level as they grow into the season and gain more confidence.

“The team morale’s good, the team spirit’s good. I think it can and will get better,” he said, in an interview with the News & Star.

“I think it’s just confidence. We actually are a good team, we’ve got good players. I think it comes down to more belief in front of goal, more belief at the back, more belief before the game that we’re going to beat these top teams. 

“There’s no reason why we can’t and we’re beginning to show that. Belief will start coming with the more results we pick up.

"Lincoln are an established team so we need to be up for the fight, and also believe. It will be a good test for us. But a test that we need to believe that we can win. I honestly do believe we’re going to turn someone over 2-0 or 3-0 at the moment. Hopefully this is the weekend when that happens.”

  • Subscribers can read an in-depth interview with Sam Lavelle HERE