Tom Miller insists Carlisle United are “more than good enough” to give promotion favourites Portsmouth a run for their money this weekend.

The side who were the short-odds pre-season favourites to win League Two are the visitors to Brunton Park this weekend.

But defender Miller believes Carlisle are capable of toppling Paul Cook’s fancied team, despite the Blues’ poor showing at Bristol Rovers last time out.

Miller said: “It’s a tough game but we’re more than good enough to go against teams like that.

“If we turn up on the day we can get a result. It’s at home, so it’s all in our favour.

“We can’t let the Bristol Rovers game unsettle us and put us back. We’ve just got to push on. We’re still in touching distance and I think we’re more than good enough to set our standards so we are up there at the end of the season.

“Anything less will be disappointing.”

United will be out to kickstart their own play-off push when fourth-placed Pompey arrive at Brunton Park.

And Miller will be hoping to hold onto his place when fellow defender Michael Raynes returns from suspension.

The ex-Lincoln man was recalled at Bristol having had to wait for his chance after a ban.

Summer signing Miller says he is frustrated at having not yet hit top form for United, while he insists the injuries and suspensions that decimated Keith Curle’s squad last weekend should be no excuse for their display.

The 25-year-old said: “We weren’t really at it as much as normal [at Bristol]. People will talk about the squad we had out but I think that’s rubbish, because we haven’t really got a weakened squad in my opinion.

“There’s no excuse for it, it just wasn’t our day, and now we have to crack on.

“Personally I feel I’m still not at the level I know I can be.

“I set myself standards and it’s frustrating. I’m trying to do everything I can to make sure I get there. I’ll keep working hard, keep positive, and I know I’ll get back there, 100 per cent.

“On Saturday I thought I started off the pace, but felt my way into the game. It’s about taking a bit more care at times.

“Personally I’m critical of myself and I’m sure a few of the lads are. We look at where we made mistakes, and what we can improve on, then move on. You can’t let it overcome you all week.”

*Welling United have announced ticket prices for next month’s FA Cup second round tie against Carlisle. The National League club say adult prices will be £16 (seating) and £15 (terracing).

The Kent club added that Carlisle have been allocated the all-seater, covered east stand which has a capacity of 600, though the Blues have yet to confirm their own ticketing arrangements for the Sunday, December 6 game.