Carden (r) became Cambridge caretaker boss after Brabin's departure

Cambridge United's Paul Carden insists his friendship with Luton assistant manager Gary Brabin will be put to one side when they meet on Saturday.

U's player-coach Carden was Brabin's assistant at the Abbey in 2009 and is hoping to get one over on his old boss.

"Oh yeah, definitely. And he wouldn't expect it any other way," the 31-year-old told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire.

"It's no secret me and Gary are best of mates and we've been speaking about it and playing it down."

Brabin left Cambridge just weeks after leading them to the Blue Square Bet Premier play-off final two seasons ago because of a fall-out with then chairman George Rolls and ended up Richard Money's number two at Kenilworth Road.

606: DEBATE 2-2 I reckon, always an entertaining affair. Bring it on! nre_hero

Previous meetings between the sides have been eventful and with striker Danny Crow and full-back Dan Gleeson following their former boss to Luton there could be added bite to the affair.

"There'll be friendly banter among the lads with Crowy and Glees," Carden added.

"I'm sure that will go out of the window Saturday come three o'clock, and it will start up again at five o'clock when we know who's won the game and hopefully it will be us taking the Mick out of them."

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