Peter Murphy is impressed with his first impressions of Josh Dixon as the ex-Carlisle United man bids to relaunch his career at Annan Athletic.

Midfielder Dixon was released this summer after 15 years at Brunton Park – and quickly snapped up by Murphy at Galabank.

Carlisle-born Dixon impressed against his former club in Friday night’s pre-season friendly.

And as competitive action looms for Annan, manager Murphy is optimistic about the future for Dixon.

He feels the 22-year-old can give his Scottish League One midfield another dimension.

“He looks really good,” said Murphy. “A very good player, and a good lad.

“He’s a left-footer which, in the midfield, just offers something a little bit different because, subconsciously players are used to playing against right-footers, and a left-footer can turn out and play a pass that they don’t expect.

“I think he will add another dimension to us as the season goes on.”

Dixon has overcome three ACL injuries in his luckless career and is determined to make the most of his fresh start at Annan.

So much so, says Murphy, that the manager is seeking to rein the midfielder in slightly.

“I’ve been trying to temper his enthusiasm, which is a tough thing to say, because he’s had so long out,” added the Annan boss, whose side face Kilmarnock in the League Cup this Saturday.

“He’s running around sometimes and, as a midfielder, sometimes I’m trying to say, ‘Just stand still,’ because he’s in space, but he keeps running and running.

“But that will come when he plays more and more games.

“He’s only played the three games with us so far and there’s plenty to work with there.

“He’s got a good core and base from Carlisle United and after missing so much football, he’s just desperate to do well.”

Dixon’s friend and former United team-mate Owen Moxon has also backed the midfielder to thrive at Galabank.