Gunning for a deal

gavin gunning: the defender will feature against Chester FC tomorrow.

GAVIN Gunning is to feature for Athletic in tomorrow’s opening pre-season friendly at Chester.

The former Dundee United and Birmingham City centre-back (24) trained with the club yesterday and with a possible deal in the offing, will feature at the Deva Stadium.

Gunning, from Dublin, is believed to be the kind of leadership figure at the back the club is looking for.

But a major question mark lies over his injury record: he missed virtually all of last season at Birmingham with a cruciate ligament injury suffered just under a year ago.

The left-sided former Blackburn Rovers man has had loan spells with Tranmere, Rotherham, Bury and Motherwell.

Trial goalkeeper David Cornell is also set to feature tomorrow. Kelly is hopeful of deals for both players.

Ahead of the clash with the Vanarama National League club, Athletic’s manager is adopting a typically enthusiastic attitude ahead of his first game in charge.

“The thought of it really sends the adrenaline pumping,” he said. “I can’t wait to get going. This is where we start to build momentum.”

Athletic could field two different XIs in either half tomorrow, with the only absentees being Mike Jones and Jonathan Forte.

twitter: @Matt_Chambers_