Ward is looking forward to the play-offs after missing out on an automatic place

Carlisle United boss John Ward has told supporters they can make a difference in his side's play-off semi-final with Leeds United.

"If we need a lift, that sort of game against Leeds in the play-offs will give us it," he told BBC Radio Cumbria.

"We'll look forward to it, there's going to be two full-houses and everyone is looking forward to it.

"Realism has set in. We'll be underdogs and we'll need those supporters that gave us such a lift on Saturday."

Carlisle missed out on an automatic promotion spot by just two points to Nottingham Forest, but Ward is adamant his players gave it their all over 46 games.

"I can't ask any more and when you look at the season it is a fantastic effort from this club to be playing Leeds in the play-offs," he said.

"I had a very disappointed dressing room after the game when we went in, but when we went back out and the ground was pretty full to applaud the efforts of the team that was a massive lift.

"I was really pleased the supporters felt that way - the players wear the shirt with pride and so do the supporters."