Livesey played in two Carlisle promotion sides (Getty)

Many of the players have been with the club since their Conference days and Livesey believes the affinity between the players can help spur them on.

He told BBC Radio Cumbria: "It means a lot to us all. There's a core of us who've known each other a long time.

"The togetherness is there on and off the pitch and we're all good friends."

Interview: Carlisle defender Danny Livesey

Promotion is by no means a certainty for Carlisle but for players like Livesey and team-mate Keiren Westwood, just being around the top of the table is something to savour.

"People say 'little old Carlisle' but we're competing with some of the best teams in the league," goalkeeper Westwood said.

"The gate on Monday night [against Forest] was 28000 and someone said to me that was bigger than some Premier League games.

"It's great to be involved in those games and long may it continue."