Forward Patrick McEleney is in contention to make his Oldham Athletic debut this weekend against Southend United.
The 25-year-old could make his first appearance at some point during Saturday’s game after recovering from injury.
He said: “It’s been a bit disappointing for me because it’s been a while but I’m here now and I want to stay here now.
“Obviously I got injured when I came and rushed myself back too soon and I got another set back which wasn’t good.
“I worked as hard as possible to get back and learn from the last one. Hopefully I can stay injury free now.
“I’m right now. I’ve done a few things now to back that up so I’m just looking to stay in the right way and get myself in the team.”
McEleney featured in the behind-closed-doors fixture against Manchester United on Tuesday afternoon, which Latics won 1-3.
“It was a good game to get back into,” he admitted. “I thought I did okay and there is still room for improvement but I need to get my lungs working a bit more. It was good to get back out there and get playing.
“You work all week for the game on Saturday. It’s been a long time now, I haven’t played a game since the start of November so I’m just getting up to speed and trying to help the team as much as I can and I feel I can do that.”
His time on the sidelines has allowed him to view games and see the standard of the league.
“I’ve watched a few games now and you don’t get much time on the ball,” he commented.
“There is so much pressing on the ball and it’s very fast but I’ve watched enough now to know that I think I can help the team as much as I can.
“It’s tough when someone is on you all the time but time will tell to see how I adapt.”
Southend United are the visitors to SportsDirect.com Park this weekend. “It’s a big game for us,” McEleney said. “They’ve been doing okay as well so it’s going to be tough.
“By what I’ve seen anyone can beat anyone so we know it will be tough.
“I back myself all the time. I hope I can get goals and assists, that’s what I’ve tried to do and I’ve done to get myself here so I’d back myself anyway.”