Keith Curle has insisted Carlisle United’s lack of big transfer signings this year is NOT down to the club’s owners refusing to spend.

The Blues boss, whose side face a play-off six-pointer at AFC Wimbledon tonight (kick-off 7.45pm), said he was simply being “choosy” about targets.

United did not spend big in the January transfer window despite Curle having indicated he wanted three key signings.

Loan signings and free agents remain possibilities as the United manager continues his search for new faces.

But Curle was adamant the club, who have reaped six-figure windfalls from cup runs and player sales in the last seven months, are not being stingy.

Curle said: “I know I need a little more in certain areas but I am determined that I will stick to my guns.

“There seems to be an inference that I’m not spending money because it’s not been made available.

“Money is available. The club has made money available.

“The club are waiting for me to pick the right players for them to structure a deal whereby we can bring them to the club.

“I’m not going to throw money at it. It’s not how I manage or how I want to manage this club, as the manager directly responsible for the chairman’s and this club’s money.

“I want to spend it wisely. We are being choosy because we want quality. Hopefully people understand I’m spending the club’s money wisely and without gay abandon.”

United could move to the brink of the play-off places if they can topple the in-form Dons tonight.

Neal Ardley’s 10th-placed hosts have won six of their last seven games after previously going eight without victory.

Curle says United will face a demanding encounter at Kingsmeadow.

He said: “Wimbledon are on a fantastic run, but you find with most teams in this division that runs do come to an end. We look forward to it.We know what Wimbledon are about - a good, honest team, vibrant, with a physical presence.

“We need a manly, physical performance, but we need quality as well.

“Neal Ardley and Wimbledon will know they won’t have it all their own way.

“I do believe we’ve got armoury within our ranks that could hurt Wimbledon. We will compete because that’s the minimum requirement.”

Curle could be forced into at least one change tonight with one of Saturday’s substituted players, David Atkinson and Luke Joyce, thought to be an injury concern, while Antony Sweeney, Tom Miller and Danny Grainger remain sidelined.

Karleigh Osborne is ruled out for the Dons with a knee injury.