Peter Murphy's Annan Athletic have brought in a Preston North End attacker on loan ahead of the new league season.

Finlay Cross-Adair has joined the Galabank club in time for their Scottish League One debut.

The 18-year-old attacker has linked up with Murphy's men on a half-season loan which runs until January 31.

Cross-Adair has made six first-team appearances for his English Championship parent club.

Cross-Adair's move to Annan comes at a time he is facing a trial after denying six charges of assault against a woman.

Preston Crown Court heard in June that the young player is alleged to have slapped, kicked or punched the woman on six separate occasions between January and May last year.

He has denied five counts of assault by beating and a charge of ABH and will stand trial on February 5 next year, shortly after his loan spell with Annan is due to end.

Cross-Adair joins Annan as they prepare to play in Scotland's third tier for the first time.

Their historic campaign gets under way on Saturday with a trip to Falkirk.

Football at this level is Annan’s reward for last season’s promotion via the play-offs.

Murphy’s side go to the Falkirk Stadium keen to get their campaign off to a memorable start.

Annan are also out to chalk up a first competitive victory after their exploits in the Viaplay Cup group brought four defeats to Kilmarnock, Raith Rovers, Dunfermline Athletic and Albion Rovers.

Murphy could hand a league debut to former Carlisle United midfielder Josh Dixon, with Motherwell loan defender Sam Campbell also in the mix.

John McGlynn's Falkirk head into the game after two wins, a draw and a defeat which was not enough for them to make it through their own cup group.

Falkirk are assessing defender Tom Lang after he suffered a head cut in their win over Peterhead.