Callum Guy is backing the Blue Army to make themselves heard at a packed Brunton Park when his former club visits this weekend.
Carlisle United’s clash with Derby County looks set to attract the biggest home crowd since the Blues’ return to League One.
The Rams, where Guy started his career, are bringing a sell-out travelling support.
But good home numbers are also expected and Guy is hoping for typical backing from United’s faithful.
“The fans have been amazing so far,” he said. “We know they’ll back us in their numbers and it’s up to us to keep putting on a show to make them want to keep coming back.
“It’ll be another big crowd on Saturday with a big team coming here – I’m sure Derby will bring a few but we know ours will be here as well.
“It’s up to us to make sure our fans can be louder than theirs.”
A five-figure crowd looks certain with the game looking on course to attract more than this season’s previous best at Brunton Park – the opening-day 10,297 that watched the 1-1 draw with Fleetwood Town.
Guy, meanwhile, insists that his history with Saturday’s opponents won’t be on his mind during this weekend’s clash.
The midfielder was on Derby’s books from the age of nine and rose through their academy to the professional ranks.
He made one first-team appearance amid a number of loan moves before leaving Pride Park permanently for Blackpool in January 2019 – joining Carlisle a year later.
“I was at Derby for a long time and it’s nice to play against them but it’s not something I’ll be thinking about too much,” said the 26-year-old, who will be one of two Blues players facing their former club on Saturday, striker Luke Plange the other - while manager Paul Simpson is an ex-Rams star and assistant manager.
“They’ve got some really top players and a lot of players with experience who have played at a higher level.
“We’ll have a look at what they’re about this week but as the gaffer always says, it’s about what we do. If we put in a good performance on Saturday we know we can be a match for anyone.”
Guy last weekend made his 150th appearance for United in the 2-2 draw at Lincoln City and the battling midfielder says he is delighted with the milestone.
“It was a proud moment to reach that landmark and to do it for one club is quite an achievement,” he said.
“Hopefully I can kick on and make a lot more appearances. I’ve got another couple of years left on my contract so hopefully there are plenty more to come if I keep doing enough to make the manager keep picking me.”
United are hoping to build on a three-game unbeaten run this weekend and Guy believes they can continue to make positive steps.
“I think we are still finding our feet in the league because it feels like there’s a lot more to come from us,” he added to United’s official channels.
“We’ve got a few points on the board now but we obviously want more. We’ve been in every game and I think it’s about turning more draws into wins now.
“There has been a bit of a difference in the levels but I don’t think it’s anything too crazy. There are a lot of bigger clubs in this league with better players who they pay a lot of money for.
“Because of that there is going to be a bit of a difference but I feel like the lads have really stepped up so far.”
The need for strong home form was also emphasized by Guy when he said: “We obviously got our first win of the season in our last home game and we want to make this place a fortress.
“We don’t want to let teams come here and play their style of play, we want to set the tempo and hopefully get another win on Saturday.”
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