HARRY Kewell is looking to extend Harry Clarke and Jordan Barnett’s stays with Latics.

Arsenal loanee Clarke sees his deal expire on January 20 while Barnett’s short-term contract is up at the end of the month.

Clarke has made 16 appearances in defence while versatile former Burnley and Barnsley man Barnett has played 22 times in all competitions, both players being in their first seasons of senior football.

The pair have done more than enough to extend their time at Boundary Park according to Kewell, who is also on the lookout for two or three new faces in the January transfer window.

The Latics head coach admitted to some reservations about taking a raw 19-year-old Clarke but has been blown away by his performances and attitude since swapping Premier League Under-23s football for the rough and tumble of League Two.

“Harry Clarke’s done excellent since he’s been here,” he  told  The  Oldham Times. “When we were first approached we were thinking ‘a young player coming in there, will he be able to handle it’ but what a fantastic character he is first and foremost.

“He’s a pleasure to train, always willing to learn, always first out on the pitch, always last in, full of energy.

“We know he’s enjoying it and off the top of my head I can only think of one not-so-great game.

“Other than that he’s always pulled his weight, he’s looked strong, he doesn’t look out of place, he loves a challenge, he loves the physical side of it.

“He’s quick, he can play the ball, he’s comfortable on the ball, so yeah, of course we’d love to see that agreement continue until the end of the year.

“We’ve already spoken to Arsenal, they have a couple of ideas about what they would like to do, but they are happy at the moment.”

As for Barnett, he has featured in several positions, primarily on the left, having initially come in on trial during pre-season.

“Jordan’s done extremely well, enough to continue at this club,” Kewell said.

“I think he’s been a player that’s versatile, he’s been three or four positions and he’s another who has stepped out of the Under-23s and doesn’t really look out of place.

“He’s settling in now and he’s finding his feet.

“His work ethic is sensational, his aggression is unbelievable, and he just needs to take that little bit more care on some of his final deliveries but that’s something we can work on.”

Latics last night confirmed all players had returned negative Covid-19 tests ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup clash with Bournemouth, the EFL having announced all players will be tested twice-weekly from Monday.