Carlisle United face 'real challenge' against St Mirren

The Blues’ fourth pre-season friendly takes them to The SMISA Stadium to take on Stephen Robinson’s Scottish Premiership hosts.

The game in Paisley (kick-off 7.30pm) comes at the end of United’s training camp at the University of St Andrews.

And the contest against the side who finished fifth in Scotland’s top-flight last season should see a step up in standard as Carlisle’s build-up to the 2024/25 campaign continues.

The Blues have faced Cumbrian non-league opposition so far, winning 8-0 at Penrith and 3-0 at Kendal Town before being held 0-0 by Workington Reds.

On the challenge against St Mirren, manager Simpson said: “It's going to be a tough test for us.

“It's going to be a real challenge, but we have to have those games.

“I do think the next four games are going to be real challenges, but we want to be tested.

St Mirren boss Stephen Robinson (Image: PA)

“We've got to test ourselves and push ourselves as hard as we possibly can to be ready for that Gillingham away game [the League Two opener on August 10].

“St Mirren are at a good level. They’re weeks ahead, because they're going to be competing in Europe soon. So we have to be ready for it.”

Robinson’s side will be in action in the UEFA Conference League second qualifying round next week with Icelandic side Valur their opponents.

Simpson is likely to give some players at least an hour of action in tonight's game north of the border.

Among the issues facing United’s boss since last Saturday’s game at Workington has been the fitness of Cameron Harper.

The wing-back came off after feeling discomfort in his groin, but he has been pictured by the club on the training ground at St Andrews this week.

Striker Georgie Kelly is unlikely to feature for the fourth consecutive pre-season game as Carlisle nurse him back to action after a calf issue, though he has also been with the squad in Scotland.

Danny Grainger scored when United last met St Mirren in 2014 (Image: Barbara Abbott)

It is Carlisle’s first meeting with St Mirren since a 2-1 win over the Buddies at Brunton Park in 2014’s pre-season, when Danny Grainger and Danny Kearns scored for the Blues against a Saints side managed by former Blues star Tommy Craig.

United’s previous trip to the Paisley club came back in the summer of 1997 when the Blues won 1-0 at Love Street thanks to a Rory Delap goal.

Robinson this week brought in Port Vale defender Alex Iacovitti. The Saints recently drew 2-2 with United’s fellow relegated League Two side Fleetwood Town.