Carlisle v Rochdale preview

Team news ahead of Tuesday night's League One clash between Carlisle United and Rochdale at Brunton Park.

Carlisle defender Peter Murphy is hoping to overcome a back problem in time to face Rochdale. Murphy suffered a back spasm ahead of the weekend defeat at Walsall and was replaced at the heart of defence by Manchester United loanee James Chester. Tony Kane will not be included in Greg Abbott's squad as he underwent knee surgery on Friday and will be sidelined until the New Year. Abbott has no other new injury or suspension worries as his side look to bounce back from a 2-1 defeat at bottom club Walsall on Saturday, but could soon be boosted by the return of skipper Paul Thirlwell (knee) and another long-term absentee, Danny Livesey (groin). Mike Grella, on loan from Leeds, is expected to continue alongside Francois Zoko up front after scoring his third goal in six games for the Cumbrians at the weekend. Rochdale boss Keith Hill has no injury or suspension concerns. Hill handed a debut to on-loan striker Bobby Grant during Saturday's 3-3 draw against Swindon at Spotland. The 20-year-old, who can also play on the wing, last week signed from Scunthorpe until January after finding first-team chances hard to come by at Glanford Park. He made an immediate impact by scoring against the Robins and looks certain to retain his place in the starting line-up. Grant said: "I've played in 13 Championship games but I wanted to come here and start games and score goals as well. "I am not viewing this as a step backwards - I want to score goals for Rochdale and who knows what will happen."