New-signing Warren Feeney admits that it has been a far-from-ideal scenario as international calls have disrupted the start of his Latics' career.

The striker missed the Carling Cup tie at Scunthorpe and the Notts County game days later due to an injury aggravated on international duty.

Feeney is also due to miss the Bristol Rovers match on Saturday week as he will be away again with Northern Ireland who kick off their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign.

He said: "It is difficult going away at a time when I am trying to settle at a new club which I find usually takes between six and 10 games to do so.

"To keep going away doesn't help, but they are international games and everyone wants to play for their country."

Feeney explained that he was not confronted with the problem while at Cardiff as fixtures in the top two divisions are postponed to prevent clashes with international fixtures.

He continued: "That doesn't happen in the lower leagues which is a shame because Oldham pay my wages and I want to do well for them.

"I also have to accept that in my absence somebody else will get a chance as can also happen if I miss a week through injury.

"I just hope that when called upon, I have done enough to get back into the side.

"The most important thing, however, is for the team to keep winning and for us to maintain our good start.

"It doesn't matter who scores the goals as I will be the first person to pat them on the back."