Oldham boss Harry Kewell confident things are coming together

Former Manchester United and Watford youngster Callum Whelan joined fellow new boys Davis Keillor-Dunn, Conor McAleny and Bobby Grant in the final third in Kewell’s first game at Boundary Park.

Former Fleetwood man McAleny put Latics in front shortly before half-time with Keillor-Dunn getting the winner seven minutes from time, his fourth goal in four pre-season outings coming after good work from Sido Jombati.

Now the serious stuff begins with Latics hosting Carlisle in the first round of the Carabao Cup on Saturday, seven days before the League Two opener against Leyton Orient.

"It was another game we were looking to get ideas across, looking for players to get fit and come out with no injuries as well as trying to get that good performance and I felt we did that again,” Kewell said.

"With the signing of Callum and linking up with Davis and Conor as well as Bobby it's bringing the best out of them all.

“Pre-season is always about getting a structure of your team, getting your ideas across to the players and the getting the players to fulfil them in games. 

"From the very first game we played to now, I've drip fed the information and they've all taken it on board.

"Everybody seems to be pulling in the same direction, but again we have to remember its pre-season. It was a great performance but we have to keep pushing forward."

As pleased as he was with how his side performed, Kewell will have more attacking talent to call on with Zak Dearnley and Danny Rowe missing through injury.

"I'm fortunate enough it's only little niggles with them both, alongside a couple of others who are now pulling up stiff but everyone has to remember that these boys haven't played competitive games since March,” the Latics boss said.

"Stiffness, fatigue, all those elements are going to set in now it's about managing that well.

“Even when the season starts I don't think you're going to see the best of this team just yet."