PAUL Simpson brings his Carlisle United side to North Essex tomorrow.

And the Cumbrians boss says he has happy memories of Colchester United's JobServe Community Stadium home.

Simpson was in charge of England under-20s when they played there against Germany in front of a sell-out crowd, back in 2018.

Goals from Joe Willock and Lukas Nmecha gave the Young Lions victory that night, leaving Simpson with happy memories.

Simpson said: "I think it’s a really nice place to go, a lovely stadium.

"I went there with an England team playing against Germany, it was a sell-out and a brilliant atmosphere, and we won so I always have good memories of Colchester.

"It’s a game I’m looking forward to and one I’m hoping we can perform again."

Gazette:

Flashback - Emyr Huws battles for the ball during Colchester United's 2-2 draw with Carlisle United, last February Picture: STEVE BRADING

Simpson returns to the Community Stadium this weekend with his Carlisle side, looking to guide them to back-to-back wins.

The Cumbrians are looking to follow up their 1-0 opening-day win over Crawley Town but Simpson is expecting the U's to be difficult opponents.

"I think it’s going to be a tough game, because of the experience they’ve got," he said.

"On paper it looks a tough game. We’ve got to make sure on grass we make it as easy as we can and work hard, like we did last weekend, play some real front foot football when we’re out of possession and when we’ve got the ball.

"If we do that I do believe we can cause them problems.

"We’ve got to be able to deal with the ability they’ve got with the likes of Cole Skuse and Judge in midfield, two good footballers, strikers in Sears and Akinde and Nouble, really experienced players who’ve been round the block.

"We’re gonna have to be on our game against them. It’s a game I’m really looking forward to and hoping one we can show what we’re all about.

"I’m led to believe they’re one of the fancied teams. I always find it hard to understand how they can say they’re one of the fancied teams, after one game of the season. But I think it will be tough.

"They’ve got a good mix of experienced players and some young athletic players as well, particularly in the wide areas."

Carlisle are without Brennan Dickenson (knee), Tobi Sho-Silva (hamstring), Taylor Charters (hamstring), Joel Senior (knee) and Josh Dixon (knee) this weekend.

Jamie Devitt likely to return to the squad after missing last weekend with Covid.

New midfield signing Jayden Harris also likely to be in squad for the first time after joining from Aldershot on a three-year deal.