MIKE Fondop is fighting fit and ready for the new season with Oldham Athletic.

The 28-year-old made an immediate impact after becoming John Sheridan's first January signing following the head coach's return to the club, scoring twice in a 3-3 draw at Newport County in mid-February.

But Fondop's impressive start was curtailed when injury ultimately ruled him out for the remainder of the season after just two games.

The injury was so bad that the former Chesterfield and Hartlepool forward required groin surgery, which he underwent in early March and the timeframe for recovery clashed with the end of the season.

Sheridan had hoped that there was a chance that Fondop would be available for the final games.

But with Latics relegated with two games to spare following defeat to Salford City in the penultimate home game of the season, Fondop was not rushed back.

Fondop has taken some time out over the closed season, visiting Senegal, before returning to his birthplace of Yaounde in Cameroon, where he played in an exhibition match at the Stade Annexe 1 De Yaounde.

Fondop posted pictures of the occasion on his Instagram account, and wrote: "Always a great reception and great time with special people.

"Also, first time I could kick a ball since the operation."

It is a significant step for Fondop, who worked with Sheridan at Chesterfield in the 2019/20 season.

Sheridan had high hopes for the forward after securing his signature at Boundary Park on January transfer deadline day.

At the time, Latics' head coach said: "He's a big lad and can handle himself against defenders which is something that we've been in need of.

"Mike did well for me at Chesterfield, so I believe that I can get the best out of him and I know that he has the ability to score goals which will give us a boost."

But it was a false start for Fondop after was injured 25 minutes into his Latics debut at Scunthorpe.

He had been forced off by a head injury at Glanford Park, but in the process of suffering a clash of heads he also sustained a groin strain.

And that was a problem he exacerbated at Newport in the process of scoring his brace, leading to the need for surgery.

He will be looking to put that disappointment behind him now as Latics bid to bounce back to the Football League.