Preston North End winger Ethan Walker joins Carlisle United on loan

The 18-year-old academy graduate will get valuable first-team experience with the League Two side, North End seeing that as a key stage in his development.

Preston-born Walker made his North End debut as a 16-year-old against Aston Villa in December 2018 - becoming the youngest player to feature for PNE in a league game.

His second appearance came as a substitute in the Carabao Cup victory at Bradford City in August 2019.

Last week, Walker started Preston's final pre-season friendly against Everton at Goodison Park, playing 73 minutes.

With numbers plentiful in the PNE first-team squad and with plenty of competition in wide areas, opportunities for Walker this season could have been limited.

So Lilywhites manager Alex Neil was keen to get the teenager sorted out with a loan spell to help develop his game.

There will be a familiar face to Walker in the Carlisle squad in the shape of former North End defender Jack Armer who joined the Cumbrians in the summer on a one-year contract.

Armer was released by PNE after having one season as a professional - like Walker, he had come through the club's academy.