DARREN Byfield has already faced Carlisle United this term.

The likeable front-man, who celebrated his 33rd Birthday on Tuesday with a goal in our 2-1 victory over Huddersfield Town, lined up against The Cumbrians in a League Cup tie for Oldham, which The Latics lost 1-0. "They are a decent side with some good, experienced players," he said. "The likes of Richard Keogh, who I played alongside at Bristol City, Graham Kavanagh and Scott Dobie have plenty of know-how between them and are a real threat at this level..

"As such it will be a tough game; they got a great result at Leeds in the week and we know only too well how tough this League is this season.

"We need to be mentally prepared for it and give our supporters something to cheer about.

"The fans have such an important role to play here; I love playing at the Banks's Stadium and hope that we can get the numbers back to create a great atmosphere that can only help the team.

"It's great to be back at the club and I am really enjoying it. It was important to get that first home win under our belt on Tuesday because the longer it went on without winning, the more of an issue it would have become.

"We've got to build on that and make the Banks's Stadium a fortress, starting on Saturday."