Stevenage boss Graham Westley has spoken of the positive impact former England defender Keith Curle has made at Carlisle United after less than a month in charge.

Stevenage’s opponents on Saturday appointed the ex-Notts County manager on September 16 replacing Graham Kavanagh with United at the foot of the table and winless.

Since his appointment Curle has guided Carlisle to two victories from three Sky Bet League Two matches and Tuesday night saw his side lose on penalties to Tranmere Rovers in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.

With Carlisle second bottom of the table, Westley said: “Let’s not underestimate what we’re playing at the weekend.

“I watched these the other night at Tranmere and I have to say they are one of the best League Two sides I have seen in a long while.

“They have got a new manager, he’s obviously invigorated them, and they have got some very good players, playing some very good football.

“They were very unfortunate to draw the game 1-1, but for Tranmere Rovers’ goalkeeper having a man of the match display it would have been a very convincing win.

“We mustn’t underestimate, and we don’t at Stevenage, the size of the task.

“I’m telling you I watched them the other night and if you had told me I was watching a top 10 League One side, which under Greg Abbott with the same players they were, then it wouldn’t have shocked me, that’s what they looked like.

“Keith Curle has got them organised, he’s been operating in League One, and they looked like a League One outfit.”