Promising Carlisle United midfielder Kai Nugent has made a loan move to Annan Athletic.

The teenager has linked up with Peter Murphy’s Scottish League One club on transfer deadline day.

Carlisle were keen to get some first-team experience for the first-year pro.

And Nugent now joins fellow young Blues pro Max Kilsby at Galabank on a season-long loan.

It is a second loan move in the emerging career of the 18-year-old, who impressed at Workington Reds in the second half of last season.

Nugent recently returned from a pre-season ankle injury and, after two reserve outings for United, now gets his chance with Annan.

Blues boss Paul Simpson told the News & Star yesterday that a loan move was likely for the young Cumbrian, and now the deal has been confirmed. 

The first-year pro is regarded highly at United and the Blues hope Nugent will follow Kilsby – who is spending a second loan season with Annan – in making the most of his time across the border.

News and Star: Nugent impressed on loan at Workington last seasonNugent impressed on loan at Workington last season (Image: Ben Challis)

Carlisle also value the opportunity for another of their young players to work under the highly respected United legend Murphy.

Nugent could be involved for Annan for the first time when they go to Kelty Hearts tomorrow, seeking a first away win of the league campaign.

As well as Kilsby, Nugent’s team-mates at Annan will include former Carlisle midfielder Josh Dixon.

A number of other former Blues are in Murphy’s squad, such as Josh Galloway, Matty Douglas, Greg Fleming and Steve Swinglehurst.

Blues boss Paul Simpson, speaking on United's website, said of Nugent's move: "It’s good news for Kai. He had a bit of a setback with his injury, so we wanted to make sure he got fit before he did anything else.

“He needs to go out and play games and at this moment in time I didn’t see him getting as many games as he needs if he stayed here.

“I think he’s going to a good environment up there in Scotland. It will be good for him to go and hopefully get regular games, and we can keep assessing him at the same time before we review it in January.

"I thought Max [Kilsby] really grew up during his loan spell with them last year and he’s doing well again this season.

“It’s a good place for them to go and learn their trade and learn about men’s football.”

Murphy has been active in the transfer market recently, with Nugent their third signing this week.

Teenage Rangers forward James Graham joined the newly-promoted club on a season-long loan.

And Annan also yesterday moved to bring midfielder Lewis Hunter back to the club.

Hunter, with Annan since 2020, missed the latter stages of last season as he took a break from the game to go travelling in New Zealand.

But he has now signed a new deal and, speaking on Annan’s website, said: “I’m delighted to be back after being away.

“It was great seeing the boys and the club get promotion last season, and was nice to see the familiar faces again back in training.

“I was keen to come back and play in League 1 with Annan and hopefully kick on again this season.”