New signing Darren Byfield feels he's already fitting right in at Boundary Park.

The experienced striker only joined the squad prior to the trip to Northampton but slotted straight into the starting line-up and played a big part in a 1-0 win.

World TV: Byfield reflects on debut

Byfield, 32, has arrived on a month's loan from Doncaster Rovers and is already keen to see the deal extended after making his Latics bow at Sixfields.

"I know Hughesy well and I've played with Greegs [Sean Gregan] while I was on loan at Preston, and I've played against most of the lads before," he said.

"When you get older and when you've had so many clubs, like me, you get to know how to make friends very quickly!

"As a striker you have to score goals and that's what I will be judged on.  Hopefully I can get a few and the loan can be extended, but if I have to go back to Doncaster then hopefully I'll have helped Oldham into a great position.

"I'd definitely [be happy to stay].  I just want to play games and the way the gaffer likes to play football is perfect for me.  I believe I'll score a few goals in the coming month."

Andy Liddell scored the winner from the penalty spot as Latics ended Northampton's unbeaten home run while keeping a clean sheet in the process.

And whilst Byfield was pleased with his debut, he did feel to the need to apologise to his strike partner after going it alone in the box midway through the second half.

Byfield explained: "It was a good performance; the lads did well because Northampton isn't an easy place to go.  I'm delighted with three points and I felt it was a pretty good debut.  I thoroughly enjoyed the game.

"I was disappointed when I cut in on the right [in the second half] because I should have pulled the ball back to Hughesy. 

"I got a bit excited and I've apologised.  Now I've got a few games coming up to make sure I make it up to him!"