Carlisle United midfielder Chris Lumsdon is hoping to prove his fitness in time to feature against Crewe Alexandra at Brunton Park.Lumsdon has been struggling with a mysterious back injury sustained against Bury in pre-season and was not risked as the Cumbrians overcame Shrewsbury to progress to the second round of the Carling Cup on Tuesday.

Boss John Ward has reverted to the midfield pairing of Marc Bridge-Wilkinson and Paul Thirlwell in his absence but one could be rested in favour of giving Cleveland Taylor his first start of the season.

Summer signing Michael Bridges was granted his first taste of action for the Cumbrians since re-joining on loan from Hull when he came on for the final minutes of Tuesday's 2-0 win.

However, the experienced striker is likely to remain on the bench as Danny Graham and Danny Carlton - who bagged a brace against Bristol Rovers last weekend - resume their partnership up front.

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