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"We are carrying a lot of injuries and a lot of illness. We are coming up to Carlisle with 17 players and two of them are YTS players. We have lost a lot of players over the last week, but we carry on, keep battling away and never give up. "We trained on Sunday at 9.30am, and will leave at 10am on Monday morning to travel up there. We'll train up with Wigan and get prepared for the game. It's tough, people won't be happy, I'll keep fighting away, I'll keep battling away, I'll work hard, I'll expect the same from the players and I'll turn this around, but it may take time.
"Steve Bruce has let us use their facilities at Wigan. They (Carlisle) are on a bit of a roll. It's a bit like going to Plymouth - it's a long old journey. It takes a bit out of you so that's maybe why they are so good at home."
As already mentioned, Luton, who have a small squad to start with due to the administration related firesale of players in the January transfer window, have a few illness and injury problems ahead of the match. To start with veteran striker Paul Peschisolido has been ruled out of action since September with an ankle injury that has since required surgery.
Elsewhere left-back Alan Goodall and midfielder Steve Robinson have been struck down by illness while Darren Currie (knee) is not fit but may be forced to take a place on the bench. Back to the long-term injuries and three players not featuring at Brunton Park tonight are midfielders Don Hutchison (leg) and Richard Langley (broken leg), and defender Paul Underwood (blood virus). Last not but least 38-year old goalkeeper Marlon Beresford has had an epidural and steroid injection to help with his sore back.
The referee for tonight's match is our old pal Graham Laws from Whitley Bay, and he will be assisted down the lines by Graeme Atkins from Bradford and Danny Roberts from Eccles in Greater Manchester. Meanwhile the fourth official is Tyne and Wear man Garry Wallace from Houghton-le-Springs.