LATICS academy boss Paul Murray believes Zak Emmerson’s impressive form for Brighton can be an inspiration to other Boundary Park youngsters.

The striker made history at the start of the 2019-20 season as he became the youngest ever player to represent Oldham, as well as the second-youngest in the EFL, at 15 years and 73 days.

In all he made three first-team appearances with his potential spotted by the Premier League Seagulls who signed him last summer for an undisclosed fee with future add-ons.

He is now banging in the goals for Brighton’s Under-18s and this week scored the winner against Chelsea’s kids.

“It’s fair to say since Zak joined Brighton in the summer he’s done really well and we’re extremely proud of him,” Murray said.

“He’s got 10 goals in 11 games I think and some of them have been against top academy sides.

“Supporters may be aware he’s starting to make a name for himself and he’s still firmly grounded.

“It’s obvious he’s a talent and last season we only saw a glimpse of that but it was his hard work that got him his opportunity, for example the extra sessions he did to practice his finishing.

“We hope he continues to do well because as a club it was a really good deal, we have bonuses involved in the contract including a sell on, so it’s shows we’re producing some great talent here at Latics.

“Being in the academy for what was around three years, I have no doubt if he gets into the 23s down there that it won’t be too long until we see him making his first team debut for Brighton on the big stage.

“They saw the potential in him, as did Preston, as he impressed despite missing chances against them in a game. It’s all about attitude as you never know who is watching you as a young player.

“Ultimately it’s good for people coming into the club and for the lads that are already in the club realising what can happen in a short space of time.”