Midfielder Jordan Lyden is glad to have put his injury worries behind him as he looks to continue his fine form and help Oldham Athletic climb up the table.
Lyden has featured in the past four games for Latics after his stop start beginning to his loan spell at the club.
“I feel great in myself at the moment, obviously I'm happy to be back on the pitch and playing which is what I've come here to do, so that's the main thing.” He said.
“I've been haunted with injuries in previous times, but hopefully I'm past them all now and I can push on.”
The midfielder admitted that he was nervous when he first arrived at Boundary Park as it was his first loan spell away from his parent club Aston Villa.
However, he says that everyone took him in with open arms which highlights the spirit and togetherness within the squad.
“It's a great bunch of lads here, I was surprised at how well they took me in because obviously it's quite daunting coming to a different club and it was my first loan.” He commented.
“We're all sticking together, and the results are showing that in the last couple of weeks.”
There’s plenty of competition in the midfield at manager Frankie Bunn’s disposal, but Lyden says that the competition will only strive him on.
“We've got a very good squad with competition in every position and I think that's what you need, especially with how long the season is.
“It's good to have competition because it keeps people on their toes, so if I have someone breathing down my neck it makes me want to perform and keep my place in the team.
There are important games coming up, so the gaffer may rotate the squad, but whoever steps in will be capable of performing and doing a job and hopefully I can continue to help the team when it’s me.”
Lyden grabbed himself his first senior goal in football last Saturday in the 3-1 over Cambridge United, a moment in which he thoroughly enjoyed.
However, he said that the three points were the most important factor in that game as it continues to build up confidence in the squad.
“It was a memorable night for me, I saw the keeper coming out and as soon as he came out, I knew I was going to have a ping at it.
“I was lucky it fell nicely on my left foot and I just placed it in the bottom corner, but I was just happy it hit the back of the net.
“A few people have said that's my best goal so far, but no matter how it goes it's still a goal and the most important thing was the three points.
“The win built up the morale in the squad which we needed ahead of two tough games against Tranmere and Lincoln.”
The game with Tranmere Rovers provides a tough test for Latics, but Lyden feels that the team can continue their winning run to get the club into a strong position in the league table.
“It's important to carry on our run, there's a high confidence within the squad and we've been playing really well recently.
“The position in the table doesn't really reflect us, so hopefully we can push on and see how where it takes us.
“Each game is difficult at professional level because everyone's got their strengths and weaknesses, but we don't fear anyone, and we'll be looking to pick up the three points.”