Former Blues hero Michael Bridges reckons Carlisle United can use the recent floods as a catalyst for another promotion push.

The ex-Carlisle striker was the talisman for United’s last League Two title glory 10 seasons ago.

That saw the Cumbrians surge to successive promotions as the club and city united after the devastating 2005 floods.

And Bridges, now based in Australia but spending the festive season back home in England, says United can be “stronger” after the harsh effects of Storm Desmond.

The 37-year-old said: “The year before we won the title [in 2006], the region had had that terrible flood which took a lot of time to recover from.

“The region needed something to breathe off, feed off, and the community came together behind the football club.

“The following year we had that run and it ended very memorably.

“It’s very sad what’s happened now but I’m hoping the lads can go on and do that again.

“Hull also had floods when I was there [after leaving Carlisle] - and we went on a run and got promoted to the Premier League.

“It brings everyone together. I know it’s a terrible sight when it happens, and it affects people’s lives in a serious way, but if there’s anything to take from it, it’s people coming together.

“And you become stronger.”

Keith Curle’s play-off chasing Carlisle squad are preparing for their second of at least three “home” games which will be staged away from Brunton Park, which has been out of action since the floods of December 5.

They are set to face Plymouth at Blackburn’s Ewood Park on Saturday if the Championship club’s pitch has recovered from last weekend’s rain and flooding.

More heavy rain is forecast for Lancashire tomorrow and Thursday and United officials plan to speak to their Blackburn counterparts to ensure the game can still go ahead.

They are also set to face Yeovil in their ‘home’ FA Cup tie at Blackpool’s Bloomfield Road ground on Sunday, January 10.

Curle and his staff spent yesterday monitoring potential transfer targets and future opponents as Carlisle were without a game.