Workington Reds have signed trialist Tom Wilkinson after the defender impressed in pre-season.

The former Preston North End teenager has agreed a permanent deal at Borough Park.

Wilkinson turned in a strong display in the Reds' 0-0 draw with Carlisle United last weekend.

He has been training with Reds and boss Mark Fell has seen enough to bring him into the squad.

Big defender Wilkinson turned in a solid display alongside the experienced Steven Swinglehurst at centre-back to help Reds keep a clean sheet against their League Two visitors last Saturday.

The former Deepdale youth prospect was released by the Championship club at the end of last season, following a two-year scholarship.

He now bolsters Fell's Reds squad ahead of the new Northern Premier League Premier Division campaign.

READ MORE: Workington Reds manager explains transfer approach

Wilkinson was in action as Reds went down to a 2-1 defeat at Penrith in their latest pre-season game on Tuesday.

Kingsley Grandison shot Darren Edmondson's hosts in front and an own-goal doubled Penrith's lead, before ex-Penrith favourite Steven Rigg pulled one back for Workington from the penalty spot.

Fell used the game to run the rule over some other trialists, ahead of Workington's next friendly at home to Morecambe this Saturday.