GREG Abbott believes Darren Anderton could pose a major threat to his chances of earning the Carlisle manager's job on a permanent basis.

But despite singling out the former England star as Cherries dangerman, the Cumbrians caretaker-boss insists Kevin Bond's side is not a "one-man team".

Abbott, who stepped in following Neil MacDonald's shock exit last month, was among the crowd to see Anderton open the scoring during Cherries' 1-1 draw with Northampton a fortnight ago.

And after guiding the Brunton Park outfit to sixth place in League One, Abbott could clinch the post full-time should his charges condemn Cherries to another Dean Court defeat.

Abbott said: "When I went to watch them, Anderton scored the only goal through supporting Lee Bradbury.

"I'm sure he won't be too nervous about their situation, given all the big games he's played in. But they are not a one-man team, they've got other decent players.

"We've got to make sure we don't give them time and space and we must get in their faces and cause them problems."

Abbott added: "It would be a disaster if we were to concede an early goal because that would give them the lift and the en-couragement they need.

"It's a game where I think we can cause them a lot of problems but we're not going to go gung-ho. It's a game we are going to go into in a positive frame of mind, that's for sure.

"I hope they turn things around, but I won't be sympathetic towards them until after the game."

Carlisle skipper Paul Thirlwell looks set to be ruled out due to a calf injury, while Simon Hackney is in line to start on the left wing.

Loan signing Joe Anyinsah from Preston could make his first start at the expense of either Kevin Gall or record signing Joe Garner.