IAN Evatt hasn’t sent any good luck messages to Carlisle United boss Paul Simpson – but might owe him a drink if his side pull-off an unlikely promotion snatch this afternoon.

Wanderers are heavily dependent on the Cumbrians beating Derby County at Pride Park if they stand any chance of snatching second spot on the final day of the season.

Goal difference will also be a factor – and Evatt will be poised to go “gung-ho” if his team suddenly finds themselves in a position to strike.

Simpson, a favourite in his playing days for Derby during the nineties, has pledged that his relegated team will do their utmost to do themselves justice.

And Evatt, who also cut his teeth in professional football with the Rams, has every faith that they will compete.

“We’re in a professional industry and I’ve no doubt Paul and his team will be professional,” he told The Bolton News.

“Derby are huge favourites and we are not expecting anything – but what I will say is that Carlisle performed well here to beat us, and performed well at Peterborough to beat them too.

“We know they are more than capable. But, for us, we have to focus on our job and either way be in a position to take advantage if there any mistakes or slip ups, or take momentum through to the play-offs, which I think we have done of late.”

Should Wanderers face the play-offs, they will travel to either Barnsley, Lincoln, Oxford or Blackpool next Saturday, with the kick-off time yet to be ratified by the EFL.

Barring a heavy victory against Bolton, Peterborough are guaranteed fourth, which means the two sides could potentially meet again in a Wembley final next month, provided all goes well.

Asked of the prospect, and whether it would affect his selection or tactical approach to today’s game, Evatt said his side would simply be out for three points.

“I don’t think we can count chickens, progressing to a play-off final is a tough thing to do,” he said.

“I think it would be a very good final, a good game. I think Saturday’s game will be a great advert for League One football.

“Two teams with a distinct way of playing, who back themselves and what they do. It will be a good test.

“I don’t think you need to be a rocket scientist to know how both teams are going to set up, though. Tactically we can change one or two things but we have to go and win, so that will dictate what we do.

“The result for them on Tuesday takes away the slim chance of automatic promotion so they would have to beat us heavily to change positions in the table.

“But both teams will be set up the same as usual and it will be a good benchmark as to where we are both at.”

Peterborough held Wanderers to a 1-1 draw earlier this season, with the Whites playing the entire of the second half with 10 men after the dismissal of Gethin Jones.

Posh are the leading scorers in League One and a side for which Evatt holds the utmost respect.

He said: “They are a very good team, they have threats, especially in the front four there are some excellent players who will go on to have careers at a higher level.

“Peterborough always recruit well and they have some good, young, talented players which have been consistent most of the season. It has been tough for them because they have played a lot of games – as have we – but they have been there or thereabouts all season.

“They are a brilliant football team and I love the way Darren has them set up and playing.

“It will be a really big test for both teams and it’s a game I’m looking forward to now.”