Oldham Athletic

Striker excited by new challenge

New loan signing Chris Iwelumo is excited by the latest challenge in his career with Latics.

The 34-year-old striker has signed until the end of the campaign from Watford.

Iwelumo, who had an inkling of Latics' interest last week, watched the FA Cup with Budweiser victory against Liverpool.

He said: "I am experienced and hopefully I can use that in a positive way as it is a young squad here.

"The players showed recently they have the team spirit, endeavour, work rate and the right philosophy about how to play.

"The gaffer (Paul Dickov) is a great character and leader. I am excited and looking to build on what is already here."

Iwelumo admitted it had been a strange season at Watford, one of highs and lows.

He captained the side in August and September when he was a regular in the side. But the loan signing of striker Alexandre Geijo from Italian side Udinese saw him lose his place.

Iwelumo added that it is hard at Watford who have made a large number of loan signings from Udinese and Spanish side Granada CF who are also owned by the Pozzo family which bought the Hornets.

He continued: "There are a lot of professionals at Watford and it was difficult for a lot of players. I think are are 19 international loans and only two or three of last season's side are now playing regularly.

"There are about 10 or 11 of us who have been frozen out so it is good to get out and play some football. That's my job and what I want to do.

"It is no point training every day for nothing to show for it.

"I have had many highs in my career and also some lows which you have to take on the chin."

Iwelumo says as Watford are flying high in the npower Championship it was impossible to get back into the team.

He had a recent loan spell at npower League One rivals Notts County