Wilson targets Notts landing

CONNOR Brown wins the ball in last night’s match against St Mirren.

BRIAN Wilson could be set for Notts County — a move that would potentially free up a space in Athletic’s squad for an extra centre-back.

The 32-year-old was not a member of the Athletic squad that travelled north to Scotland and, having taken up training with the Sky Bet League Two outfit with Athletic’s blessing, Wilson played as a trialist in their pre-season friendly at Carlton last night.

“Brian has gone to play with Notts County, but I don’t know anything more on that at this stage,” said manager Darren Kelly, after a 1-0 loss to St Mirren in a behind-closed-doors friendly last night at the University of Stirling.

“Hopefully we will know more in the next few days. We will monitor it, speak to Notts County and see how it goes.”

Right-back Wilson played 39 times for Athletic after signing for his ex-team-mate Lee Johnson on a free transfer from Colchester, where he was club captain.

The experienced former Bristol City man, who lost his place to Connor Brown towards the end of last season, has got another year left on his contract.

“We have ideas on personnel and who we want to bring in and we want good quality in depth to help us achieve what we want to do,” added Kelly.

Centre-back Gavin Gunning played the full 90 minutes in last night’s game against the Scottish Premiership outfit and remains on trial with Athletic.

Kelly wants to sign the former Dundee United and Birmingham City defender and would also like to add another central defender to his playing roster before the start of the club's League One campaign.

The other player currently on trial with Athletic in Stirling is Alen Ploj, who was unimpressive in a 45-minute run-out last night.

The Slovenian striker failed to have much of an impact at the spearhead of a 4-1-2-3 formation, but is renowned as a sharp finisher when provided with the opportunities.

“Alen played last season in a trial game and did extremely well, scoring two goals against a Burnley side,” Kelly added.

“We want to see what is there and if it is anything we could take further.”

Athletic, who lost last night thanks to a Lewis McLear goal, are back in action tomorrow against Stirling Albion (7.30pm kick-off).