TRANMERE Rovers' boss Micky Adams promises a match not for the fair-hearted when his squad face Carlisle United at Prenton Park this weekend.

Saturday's match, kick off 3pm, will be the 85th time the two clubs have met and the third this season.

Rovers go into the game in 17th place, having climbed up the table following their 2-1 victory over Exeter at St James Park last Saturday. A win could lift the club two more places.

Carlisle come to Prenton Park level on points with Rovers but three places lower due to their goal difference. On the road this season Keith Curle's side has won three, drawn one and lost ten.

Assessing this weekend's opponents during a press conference at Prenton Park, Adams said: "We always respect the opposition. They have got good attacking players.

"They're battling away like we are. I'm not saying it's going to be class, but it's not going to be a game for a fair-hearted."

Iain Hume is available for tomorrow's game after returning to Prenton Park last week.

The striker missed the win at Exeter as international clearance hadn't come through in time, but his registration has been completed and he has been given the number 34 shirt.

Michael Ihiekwe is likely to miss out once again due to an ankle injury but Danny Holmes has returned to training after picking up a knock at Exeter.

Marcus Holness is out for the rest of the season and Matt Hill remains in the treatment room.

Curle is without Stephen Elliot due to an Achilles injury but Derek Asamoah and Nathan Buddle could be involved.

Assessing his squad's performance, Adams said: "I'm happy with the squad and happy with the way they are working.

"The first priority is not to be relegated, the second is to end the season well. I think we can win anywhere.

"Confidence is quite high now. I want the players to go out there feeling confident and enjoy their football.

"The squad's got enough experience and knows what I'm after. We looked reasonably toothless when I started out here and I think we are playing the game correctly.

"We've got more pace in the side and are more threatening going forward. If we can keep that going, great. 

"There are 12 weeks left this season and it will be very important for the future of this football club. 

"I think it's going to big end to the season for us."

A precautionary pitch inspection will take place at Prenton Park at 9am on Saturday ahead of tomorrow's match, the club has confirmed.

Covers have been on the pitch this week to protect the playing surface but heavy frost overnight has caused some sections to harden.

Temperatures are forecast to rise slightly today and stay above freezing overnight.

The outcome of the inspection will appear on the club's website www.tranmererovers.co.uk and on the Club’s twitter and facebook pages once the match official has completed his inspection.