Latics have sights on a defender

COURTNEY Meppen-Walter featured against Athletic in a pre-season friendly.

COURTNEY Meppen-Walter is training with Athletic in the hope of a playing deal.

The 21-year-old centre back, who had been with Carlisle United in Sky Bet League Two, has already impressed Athletic manager David Dunn with his ability.

The former Manchester City prospect, a left-sided defender with a cultured left foot, was in fine form during last week’s training game at Fleetwood. It is thought the main concern is getting the Bury-born player, who made 21 appearances at Brunton Park last season, to full fitness.

Meppen-Walter played against Athletic in a pre-season friendly at Carlisle this summer — a game watched by Dunn, who had signed as a player the day before. But he has been out of favour under manager Keith Curle and hasn’t featured in the first team this season.

Meppen-Walter joined Carlisle in 2013, on a two and a half year contract following his release from prison after serving half of a 16 month sentence for causing death by careless driving.

Also in training with Athletic this week, ahead of a Boxing Day test at Blackpool, is striker Rhys Murphy. The 25 year old signed off a successful loan spell at Crawley in League Two at the weekend.

The ex-Arsenal trainee managed nine goals in 16 games during a three-month loan and has looked sharp on his return to Athletic, where his contract runs until the end of next season. He is set to be involved in Athletic’s squad for the Blackpool trip on Saturday.

Crawley are keen to re-sign him when the transfer window opens in the New Year, but until then he remains an Athletic player.