John Ward is looking forward to getting back on home soil

Carlisle United manager John Ward says his squad is looking forward to running out on home turf on Saturday when they face Crewe Alexandra at Brunton Park.

The Cumbrian fans have endured trips to Bristol and Shrewsbury in the last week but, after two wins, Ward hopes for a big crowd and a warm welcome home.

"The fans will hopefully be lifted by the last two results away from home," he told BBC Radio Cumbria.

"People will probably be interested to see for themselves what is going on."

On top of last weekend's opening day 3-2 win at Bristol Rovers, the 1-0 midweek Carling Cup win at Shrewsbury has handed Carlisle a second round trip to Queens Park Rangers - and Ward is looking forward to the intimate setting of Loftus Road.

"It's a good draw for our football club," he said. "It's against a team who think they're going to be in the Premier League next year.

"I like the place. You go there and it's very enclosed. The supporters are as close as they can be and, under lights, Loftus Road is a fantastic place to go and play.

"The experience for the team will be very good. I just feel it's a long, long way and a difficult place for our supporters to go to."