Former Carlisle United favourite Peter Murphy is delighted to have brought in “real prospect” Max Kilsby to Annan Athletic.

Young Blues defender Kilsby has joined the Scottish League Two club on a half-season loan.

First-year pro Kilsby, 18, could make his debut in Annan’s league opener at Stranraer on Saturday.

And United’s record outfield appearance holder Murphy has welcomed the arrival of the left-sided defender, who bolsters Annan's squad with key defender Matty Douglas facing a lay-off after knee surgery.

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“Max is a real prospect in the Carlisle United ranks and we are delighted to welcome him to Annan Athletic,” Murphy told the Galabank club’s website.

“Unfortunately Matthew Douglas will be out for a long time so Max’s opportunity has come and we are delighted to welcome him into our group to push our defenders and improve our team.”

Kilsby came through the youth ranks at Brunton Park and earned a pro deal this summer.

He has featured in pre-season for Paul Simpson’s first team and now heads north of the border in search of more senior experience.

He will do so in an Annan side who have started the campaign in fine form under Murphy.

They topped their group with an unbeaten run in the Premier Sports Cup – the first fourth-tier side to do so – and will host Aberdeen in the last 16.

Simpson has said his relationship with Murphy was a big reason in sending Kilsby to Galabank.

“It’s a great opportunity and it'll be good for him [Kilsby],” United’s boss told the club website.

“I obviously know Murph, and that was part of the thinking in letting him go up there, because I trust Murph to look after him.

"It’s a decent standard of football for him to play and he needs to develop in men’s football.

"I didn’t feel he was quite ready for us at this moment in time, but I think there’s some potential there.

"We’ll see how he goes in his first few months and hopefully it will be turn out to be the right thing for him."