WANDERERS hope to find a hidden gem among a group of trialists who have been invited to Lostock.

Phil Parkinson’s first-team squad return to training this morning after their successful Scandinavia trip and could soon be joined by four foreign-based players who will start the week working with the development squad.

News of Afghanistan international Josef Shirdel broke yesterday, with the 23-year old former Hamburg winger invited to look around the club’s facilities ahead of his trial.

The midfielder was recommended to Wanderers by former striker Ivan Klasnic and is available on a free transfer after his contract with German fourth division side ETSV Weiche expired at the end of last season.

Frenchman Gerald Kilota, a 22-year-old left-back whose last club was Clermont, has also been offered a trial. Originally converted from a striker, where he began his career with Caen, the youngster has a reasonable amount of experience in the French second and third divisions.

Another defender, Portuguese full-back Bruno Ribeiro, will also get a chance to impress. A former Sporting Lisbon youth product, the 20-year-old is also looking to land a contract at the Macron.

The fourth of the quartet is Guinea Bissau-born Agostinho Ca, a defensive midfielder who has played previously for Barcelona B and has some experience in the Segunda Division.

All four players are in contention to play against Stafford Rangers tonight for the Under-21s and could, if they impress, be invited to play with the first team this weekend at Mansfield Town.

Wanderers are keeping an open mind about the trialists, with no guarantees offered, but are hoping to extend their scouting reach in Europe over time.

Trusted chief scout Tim Breacker was brought in by Parkinson after working alongside each other at Bradford City, while Lee Anderson – son of chairman Ken – has also taken a prominent role in recruitment this summer to give the manager options in the market.

Wanderers have already run the rule over Constantin Sandu and Jonathan Kindermans this summer, with both featuring in the pre-season friendly at Atherton Collieries on July 2.

Both have worked with the Under-21s for the last 10 days but no decision has yet been made on whether they will be offered a deal to remain with the Whites.