RUNCORN Linnets have recruited versatile 19-year-old defender Kieran Nolan following his release earlier in the week by Northwich Victoria.

Primarily a centre half, the Linnets' latest signing can play anywhere across the back four.

Nolan had previously played for Ramsbottom United and Salford City and also appeared last season for Alsager Town in the North West Counties League Premier Division.

The player, who turns 20 later this month, was at Bolton Wanderers from 2013 before being released from their Under 18s squad in May 2015.

He had been with Evo-Stik League Division One South club Vics for just over a year, his final appearance coming in the 2-0 Cheshire Senior Cup derby defeat at 1874 Northwich.

Nolan joins two other fellow former graduates of Bolton youth system in the Millbank Linnets Stadium squad.

"Kieran was with Bolton Academy but a year above Danny (McKenna) and Luke (Griffiths)," said Linnets manager, Michael Ellison.

"He is a young defender, who can play anywhere across the back four. He's played for a couple of non league clubs, including Salford and most recently, Vics where he was the captain. We're delighted to have him on board.”

The Linnets had earlier agreed the release of winger Taylor Kennerley and striker Brian Matthews.

Kennerley, who had graduated to the Linnets first team through their youth team, has signed HSL forms at 1874 Northwich, where he was already registered with the Under 21s Sunday team.

Matthews has returned to HSL Division One side, Prestwich Heys from where he joined Linnets in late November.