Unlike the other two play-off semi-finalists Doncaster Rovers and Southend United, whose two meetings are a week apart, the Elland Road club and Carlisle United must go head-to-head tonight and again on Thursday.

It means there will be little recovery time for either squad following the first leg at Elland Road when a capacity crowd is likely to witness a frantic encounter between two sides who have already beaten each other in the regular season.

Despite that, McAllister insists: "The quick turnaround is not a problem. We have a nice mix of experience and young legs who are bursting to go. They are good athletes.

"At times, we have been forced to rest players with injuries, but we arrive at this point looking quite fresh."

One of those players who have missed a large chunk of the season is Jonathan Douglas, the United captain having to spend more than three months on the sidelines after being stretchered off with a knee injury in the 1-1 draw at Walsall in mid-December.

The Republic of Ireland international has since made eight appearances and when asked if playing twice in quick succession was a problem, he replied: "For us, it is better.

"I know Doncaster played last Friday and then play again this Friday, but that just means they have a long wait. I would rather have it our way because we will know sooner if we are going to Wembley."

Carlisle surprisingly returned some of their initial 2,000 allocation of tickets last week to ensure that the entire South Stand at Elland Road will be occupied by home fans.

That means the visitors from Cumbria will be restricted to just the South East corner. However, despite their numbers being reduced, the away fans are likely to give Carlisle-born Paul Huntington a rough time tonight.

The Leeds defender was accused of making gestures at the travelling supporters during last month's meeting between the two clubs at Elland Road and subsequently issued a public apology.

Asked whether Huntington would be able to handle any vocal abuse from the Cumbrian fans tonight, United manager McAllister said: "It is a fantastic test for him (Huntington) and I am sure he will be fine."

One man in the Leeds camp who is able to give an invaluable insight into Carlisle and their players is first-team coach Neil McDonald.

He was controversially sacked by the Cumbrians just one game into this season and after a short spell as Peter Jackson's assistant at Lincoln City, he moved to Elland Road to join McAllister's coaching staff along with Steve Staunton.

McAllister said: "Neil knows the players well, he worked closely with the Carlisle lads. We know a bit more about Carlisle than we would other opponents because of that.

"He is a first class coach and the players have enjoyed working with him and Steve."