The quality of new Annan Athletic signing Ryan Stevenson is unquestionable, according to boss Peter Murphy.

Midfielder Stevenson became the latest player to link-up with Carlisle United legend Murphy on Thursday.

Stevenson is also another addition to Murphy’s backroom staff, with the former St Johnstone, Ipswich Town and Hearts man set to be the Black and Golds’ first-team coach with another ex-St Johnstone man, Kevin Rutkiewicz, Murphy’s assistant manager.

“His quality is unquestionable. He has played at the highest level,” Murphy said on 32-year-old Stevenson. “He will bring a lot.”

Murphy and midfield man Stevenson played together at Ayr United.

Annan’s player-manager said: “I know him well which is one of the reasons he has come with me.

“I got on well with him [at Ayr]. He likes the way I have been working. I will be honest with him and the rest of the lads.

“He will be the first-team coach. He is looking to the future, as well. He can help us.”

Murphy’s men have also been drawn against Celtic’s Under-20s in the Irn-Bru Cup. Celtic’s youngsters knocked Athletic out of the same competition last term.

But, with that tie not due to be played until the middle of August, the Black and Golds boss hasn’t spent much time preparing for that particular fixture yet.

He said: “I haven’t even thought about that. I have a lot of games before that and a lot of work to do.”

Annan will kick-off their 2017/18 season pre-season campaign against Scottish Championship side Queen of the South at Galabank next Tuesday evening.

“That will give me a chance to look at trialists in matches,” the Dubliner said.

“I have seen a lot of players that don’t look good in training but look good in matches, and also lots of players that look good matches but not so good in training.”