JOHN Sheridan has high hopes for Latics' newest loanees David Okagbue and Charlie Wellens.

Oldham signed the duo from Stoke City and Manchester United respectively on the eve of Saturday's visit of Chesterfield to bolster their defence, with the rearguard being hardest hit by a spate of early season injuries, with captain Liam Hogan expected to be out for another two months.

The teenagers both went straight into the line-up to face the National League leaders and gave a decent account of themselves, despite defeat, earning praise from Sheridan.

Centre half Okagbue, who has arrived on a youth loan until September 28, was even named the sponsors' man of the match on his debut.

“David is another good, young talent who has all the qualities required of an up-and-coming central defender," said the Latics boss.

“He’s learnt his trade at a very good club in Stoke, where he’s rated extremely highly, and provides further strength in a key area for us.

“David is athletic, he reads the game well, and is more than capable of settling in like recent additions such as Mitchell (Roberts).”

Okagbue, 18, has spent the last three years with Stoke and was a regular for their Under 18s last season before progressing to the Under 23s towards the end of the campaign, and was among the substitutes for Stoke's EFL Cup tie against Morecambe last month.

Okagbue is also a Republic of Ireland U19 international, and has played alongside Latics' youth team product Harry Vaughan during his time on international duty.

Wellens, meanwhile, follows in his dad Richie's footsteps in playing for Oldham, after signing a loan deal from United until January 8.

Sheridan added: “Charlie’s a young player with lots of potential and has received a great schooling at Manchester United in their U18s and U23s.

“He’s currently on the right path to have a fantastic career and I'm sure he’ll thrive in a first team environment.

“He’s got pace, he’s versatile and I’m looking forward to seeing him over the coming months for us.”

The 19-year-old has spent the past few years in the Manchester United youth set-up, playing predominantly as a right-back. But despite his tender ears he has already shown his versatility having started as a striker before moving to central and right midfield before nailing down a place at right back, where he played all but on United's 26 U23 league games last season.

He was part of the United squad that travelled to Austria for a pre-season training camp, and since returning has continued to feature in Premier League 2.