Mike Williamson says “leaders” must emerge from Carlisle United’s struggles.

The Blues host Harrogate Town today (Brunton Park, 3pm) desperate for a result to take them back off the bottom of League Two.

United’s clash with Simon Weaver’s side will be watched by an increased crowd following a £10 ticket promotion.

There is extra scrutiny on Carlisle to deliver after last weekend’s shocker at AFC Wimbledon.

And head coach Williamson says it is down to the team to inspire the fans, not the other way around.

“You’ve got to earn everything as a footballer – in this industry you don't get anything for free,” he said.

“You've got to be the one to be the catalyst.

“Being in this position in the league is not easy, but this is where leaders are born and grown and come into your own.

“We've got more than enough in that changing room.”

Williamson is set to have defender Terell Thomas back from international duty today while fit-again Ethan Robson could be in the squad.

Terell Thomas is expected to return today after international dutyTerell Thomas is expected to return today after international duty (Image: Ben Holmes)

But Archie Davies will miss out through injury, with Jack Ellis and Jack Robinson his potential replacements on the right.

Today starts a run of three home games on consecutive Saturdays and but Williamson says that, no matter where Carlisle play, there must simply be a positive reaction to last Saturday’s poor display.

“There are many factors that go into wanting and needing these points, and more of a complete performance,” he said.

“A home win…of course we want to tick these boxes.

“But more than anything it's [about] a personal, professional pride and a reaction to last weekend, and a challenge for us to face head on.”

As United seek a first league win over 14th-placed Harrogate at the seventh attempt, they will be watched by the club’s owners, the Piatak family, plus guests from their home city of Jacksonville, including tourism and civic figures, who are seeking to forge closer links with Carlisle.

On his own contact with the owners, Williamson added: “I speak to them regularly on the phone and a bit of contact face-to-face.

“It will be good seeing them [while they are up this weekend] – they're always busy, as ever they've got many, many things going on with the fantastic developments around this place.

“But we’re going to be able to get some time to touch base and, trying to keep formulating the plan and streamlining it to make sure that we are mirroring the success that they're having off the field, on the field.”