Korey up for Latics' challenge
New loan-signing Korey Smith can't wait to get on to the pitch to help Latics in their battle against relegation from npower League One."It is another challenge and hopefully I can play my part in helping the team stay up," explained the 22-year-old Norwich City player.
Smith, who has been given the No 23 squad number by Latics, can already call on a wealth of experience from his time with the Canaries.
"Since I have been at Norwich, I have featured in one relegation and two promotions so have seen both sides and know what to expect," he said.
Smith, who had a loan spell at League One rivals Yeovil Town between September and December 2012, added that it has been a whirlwind 24 hours.
He continued: "I only received a call last night saying Oldham were interested.
"I immediately said yes because I knew Oldham are a good club and I just want to play football which isn't happening at Norwich because the team is doing well in the Premier League.
"Hopefully it will be a good move for me enabling me to play games and help the team."
Smith, who spent today driving to Oldham from East Anglia, added that to have made 104 competitive appearances for Norwich and during loan spells at Barnsley and Yeovil, has provided invaluable experience.
"It is good for somebody my age to have played so many games," he went on.
Smith was only 18 years of age when he was handed his debut by Norwich one month before they were relegated.
He was a regular in the side which the next season won the League One title and then featured prominently in the first half of the 2010/11 campaign which ended in promotion from the Championship to Premier League.
Last season he spent the latter part of the campaign on loan at Barnsley and had a three-month stay at Yeovil in the current campaign.
"The loan moves have enabled me to play games which is important at this stage of my career. That is why I am happy to come here," he said.