RAMSBOTTOM United have strengthened their Evo-Stik League First Division North squad – and snapped up the brother of one of Burnley’s shining lights.

Joint Ramsbottom managers Bernard Morley and Anthony Johnson have captured experienced Bury-born defender Kelvin Lomax, the brother of star Clarets’ full-back Kieran Trippier.

Lomax, like Trippier a former pupil at Ramsbottom’s Woodhey High School, made his debut in the 4-0 victory at Harrogate Railway Athletic on Saturday.

Lomax, who will turn 27 next month, joins the Harry Williams Riverside Ground outfit from Australian side Shepparton United.

Having begun his career at Oldham Athletic youth team, he worked his way into the Latics first team, making his debut in the 2003/04 season. He stayed at Boundary Park for seven seasons, making 94 appearances, before enjoying loan spells with Rochdale (10 games) and Chesterfield where injury after five games, saw him return to Oldham.

He then continued his career with a short spell at Shrewsbury, before dropping down into non-league with Barrow and Hyde ahead of his move to Australia last season.

His return to England sees him signing for the in-form Evo-Stik League club, where his cousin Karl Lomax has previously played.

Johnson and Morley have been busy over the past month and have been adding to their squad, who have won six games on the spin prior to last night’s home clash with Ossett Town.

Billy Priestley has made the move from Barnoldswick Town permanent and United have also signed teenager Jake Chadwick as cover for keeper Grant Shenton.

The youngster has been on loan this season at North West Counties League Premier Division side Barnoldswick Town.