New-loan signing knew he would score
New-loan signing Mike Petrasso had a premonition that he would score on his debut for Latics.
The 18-year-old Queens Park Rangers winger is pictured celebrating his match-winning goal in the Sky Bet League 1 victory at Gillingham.
Petrasso said: "I honestly felt I was going to score when I came to the club, I got the chance and I did. I was in the right area and it was great work from my team mates.
"And to score in my first league game was a great debut. To get a goal was fabulous and a great start for me.
"When I saw the ball in the net, I had a great feeling of excitement. I didn't know what to do and how to celebrate.
"I didn't have any thoughts and my head went blank. Then I saw everybody smiling and screaming my name it was an incredible feeling."
Petrasso admitted it had been a whirlwind as he was only told of Latics' interest on Thursday and completed the move 24 hours before the game at Gillingham.
He signed on Friday afternoon at Maidstone United Football Club where Latics were training in the build up to the game at Gillingham.
Petrasso said: "I only had one training session, but the boys welcomed me nicely and I feel comfortable here.
"It was a new experience for me and we only did a light training session so I didn't really get a feel of the guys and didn't know what to expect in my first league game.
"I was surprised to be given a start and I thought I would be on the bench and come on with five or ten minutes left but, as soon as I signed, the manager told me he would be giving me a start the next day.
"I was nervous and also excited. I was also happy the manager trusted me so hopefully I repaid him.
"I tried to keep things simple and thought I performed well for my debut.
"I would also like to thank the club for giving me the opportunity to come here on loan."
Petrasso added that it is important to get out and have the chance to play real football where points are at stake.
He is also impressed with the standard of football in League One saying it is far removedfrom the under-21 Elite Development Squad at QPR.
Petrasso continued: "It is different here as results matter and all the boys want to win.
"Playing in the development squad, if you make a mistake you get an opportunity to go over the video clips because it is not a real league game when results matter and mistakes cannot be made.
"Such a lot depends of results and that is so different to the develop squad.
"It is a great opportunity to get some experience here and hopefully it goes well for the rest of the month."