Paul Simpson believes Fin Back is getting back to his best at Carlisle United – after some frank words.

The Blues boss, whose side host Peterborough United tonight (Brunton Park, 7.45pm) said he has spoken to the loanee about his displays in recent days.

Simpson rates Back highly but believes he is capable of better than he has shown in the season’s early weeks.

The Nottingham Forest loanee, 21, was outstanding in the defeat at Wycombe Wanderers and came in for praise from the manager.

“I’ve spoken to Fin over the last week to ten days saying I need more from him, I want more,” said Simpson.

“I thought he was excellent [on Saturday] – he played with fire in his belly. And he was so unlucky in the first half when he hits the post.”

Back and United are aiming to respond to Saturday’s defeat when they take on Darren Ferguson’s Posh tonight.

The visitors are among League One’s high-fliers, sitting fifth after ten games.

Last season’s losing play-off semi-finalists are unbeaten in four league games, including Saturday’s 2-0 home win over Bristol Rovers.

Carlisle, meanwhile, are seeking a second win of the campaign as keeper Tomas Holy returns to the side for the suspended Jokull Andresson.

News and Star: Tomas Holy returns to the starting XI tonightTomas Holy returns to the starting XI tonight (Image: Barbara Abbott)

Simpson admits Peterborough will set a difficult challenge but says that is no different to all United’s opponents in League One.

“It’s a tough game, but every game at this level’s going to be tough, with where we are,” he said.

“We just have to roll our sleeves up, get back to doing the basics better than the first half on Saturday. I’m sure if we do that it’ll be a good night for us.

“We have to be ready to show a determination, to actually show we want to stay in this league. We have to do everything we possibly can.

“I know it’s going to be tough, and a long season, but this is the group we’ve got and we’ve just got to keep working and showing a togetherness better than the togetherness we showed in the first half at Wycombe.”

Simpson also hopes being at home can have a positive effect on his side.

“We have to make it a big factor. Simple as that. Wherever we go we have to make it difficult,” he added.

“We have an ok record at home. All I want to see is a reaction. I want to see some professionalism about us. [This] is our next opportunity to show it.”