Former Carlisle United prospect Lewis Bell has been handed a chance by Peter Murphy at Annan Athletic.

The ex-Blues winger has been taken on trial by Murphy at the Scottish League One club.

Bell, who was released by the Cumbrians this summer, came off the bench to face his old club in Friday night’s pre-season friendly.

The 20-year-old former Blues pro is hoping to impress the Galabank boss in the hope of becoming the latest in a string of ex-United players to join Annan.

Manager Murphy said he has been impressed with Bell in his spell at the club so far.

“He’s on trial, and he’s come in and done really well,” said Murphy.

“We played against Abbey Vale, which was tough for him to try and show what he can do, because Abbey Vale just sat in around their own box.

“Then we tried to bring him on against Morton but that was when the injury happened [to a Morton player, which caused the game to be abandoned], so he didn’t get to play.

“We got him on against Carlisle for a little bit.

“He’s looked good, looks impressive but would need a little bit of work. He’s only young. We’ll see.”

Bell came through the youth ranks at Brunton Park and made six professional appearances.

He was regarded as one of their top prospects but a long spell in the 2020/21 season when he was sidelined with Covid set him back.

Bell made league and cup appearances under former Blues boss Chris Beech but was sent out on loan to Gretna 2008 by Paul Simpson last season.

After spending the full campaign at Raydale Park, he was not retained at the end of his contract.