Last updated at 12:26, Tuesday, 10 July 2012

Celtic Nation, formerly known as Gillford Park, kick-off their busy pre-season schedule tonight with a friendly against Annan Athletic (7.30pm).

Paul Arnison

The newly-promoted outfit will host the Scottish side at Newton Rigg whilst work continues at their Gillford Park home in preparation for the new campaign.

Fans will get a chance to see high-profile new signings Paul Arnison and Adam Boyd in action, with the duo both set to be involved, along with fellow recent recruit Martin Brittain.

The 27-year-old midfielder, who counts Newcastle United and Carlisle United among his former clubs, has signed following his release from Blue Square Premier club Gateshead.

Joint boss Steve Skinner, who forms one third of the team’s management trio alongside fellow ex-Carlisle midfielders Stuart Bell and Graham Anthony, confirmed that the new additions would feature against the Galabankies.

“They’ll be playing,” he said. “We have a squad of 24 players this year.”

“The friendly games are good to get the lads some minutes, and to get the new lads bedded in. Annan have been back a while already as the Scottish league starts earlier, so it’ll be a tough test.”

Celtic Nation will also face Carlisle United, Queen of the South and Whitehaven in the coming weeks, before they begin their Northern League Division One campaign on August 18, at home to South Shields.

First published at 11:31, Tuesday, 10 July 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk