Paul Simpson hopes Carlisle United can get the better of Wycombe Wanderers and their ex-Blues star who he holds in high regard.
Veteran defender Richard Keogh is in the home club’s ranks for this weekend’s clash at Adams Park.
Simpson worked with the former United favourite during their respective spells at Derby County.
And the Blues boss has nothing but praise for the 37-year-old Keogh.
“I’m so pleased for Keysey that he’s come through the injuries he had when he was involved in the crash [an incident in 2019], because he was fantastic when I was at Derby as the assistant,” said Simpson.
“He was a real good pro, went about his business properly.
“I’ve noticed he’s not been in the team for the last couple of games, he’s been on the bench, but we know if he comes back in what he brings to them.
“But it’s about us. You look at people like Garath McCleary and Sam Vokes, people who’ve played at the highest level – they’ve got some good individuals.
“I also think we have, and that’s where my head is. I want our good individuals to come out on top.”
Keogh made 85 appearances for Carlisle through a loan and then permanent spell between 2007 and 2010, and became a crowd-favourite through his all-action style.
He joined the Chairboys in the summer after leaving Blackpool, with Matt Bloomfield’s side currently 11th in League One after eight games.
Simpson believes this weekend’s opponents are a benchmark for the kind of progress Carlisle want to make, Wycombe established in League One having also tasted life in the Championship in the recent past.
“They’ve done fantastically well, and we have to use that as a bit of a yardstick,” said Simpson.
“Look at their home crowds and we blow them out of the water in terms of numbers.
“As a football club we have to look at them and aspire to be like that.
“It’s going to be a real good test for us – they’ve got a good mix of experience and youthful players.
“They’re established in this league, they’re sitting on 13 points, so they’ve had an OK start, with four wins…
“We know it’s going to be a tough test. I also know if we can go and extend those periods of play like we had in the first half against Derby last weekend and do it for longer periods, then be more clinical when we get the chances, I’m confident we’re going to go there and cause them problems.”
Carlisle are seeking their first away win of the season, with Simpson feeling their last two away displays offered strong elements they must look to repeat.
“I think the performance at Lincoln, the togetherness and spirit we showed at Stevenage, as well as the spell of football we played in the first half against Derby at home – it’s a case of putting all those together for longer periods, and then I’m confident we’ll get results.”
United are travelling south by train for the latest time this season for this weekend's game.
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