Ward is expecting a quiet few days at Brunton Park

Carlisle United manager John Ward has admitted that there is unlikely to be any movement at Brunton Park ahead Monday's transfer deadline.

Ward this week played down his interest in Coventry midfielder Chris Birchall despite revealing he had spoken to the player's agent.

"Nothing is imminent in terms of either players coming in or going out," Ward told BBC Radio Cumbria.

"But I'm not really expecting anything to happen."

The Cumbrians will be without midfielder Chris Lumsdon until November with a back injury while forward Scott Dobie faces another two games on the sidelines following his red card in the 0-0 draw at Leyton Orient.

It's a little bit tougher this year because the big clubs have seven substitutes so some of the guys you may have got are now unavailable Carlisle boss John Ward

Ward says there is no urgency to replace either but may use the loan window if he feels the need to strengthen his squad.

"I think it's good," Ward said. "But it's a little bit tougher this year because the big [Premier League] clubs have seven substitutes so some of the guys you may have got are now unavailable."

Meanwhile, Ward has admitted the club face a big task to compete at Championship level should they achieve promotion this season.

The Cumbrians boss cited the gulf in class between his side and Queens Park Rangers in the second-half of Tuesday night's 4-0 defeat in the capital.

"It lets you know what is required," Ward said. "There are a lot of things to work at to improve ourselves.

"Last year we were talking about maybe going into that league and we're quite a way from it when you look at the second half of the game.

"When you realise Queens Park Rangers spent �7m refurbishing underneath the stand before they get the team sorted out, you realise you are at a different sort of level. But that's what we have to contend with."