Carlisle aim to extend their 10-game unbeaten run with midfielder Jeff Smith back in contention for the home clash with Northampton.The Cumbrians were in rampant form as they crushed Leyton Orient 3-0 at the weekend and they will be strengthened further by the return of fans' favourite Smith.

Smith was ruled out on Saturday as he recovered from an ankle strain, but he should be fit in time to claim a place on the bench as manager John Ward is likely to name an unchanged line-up.

The Blues now occupy the second automatic promotion spot after leapfrogging Doncaster at the weekend, but striker Joe Garner remains sidelined for a further week with his knee injury.

Paul Thirlwell (ankle) remains at least three weeks away from making his comeback and has not played for Ward's side since January 5.

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