DAVID Unsworth has made John Rooney his first signing for Oldham Athletic.

The attacking midfielder, who is the brother of former Manchester United, Everton and England striker Wayne, has signed a deal from Barrow for the remainder of this season and next year, with the option of a third.

Rooney is an experienced player with over 300 National League appearances to his name, winning promotion with Barrow in 2019/20.

And Unsworth says his experience and goal scoring ability will be invaluable to Latics.

“John’s a great signing for us, he’s got bags of experience and he’s scored a lot of goals in The National League and League Two,” said Unsworth after securing his first signing at Boundary Park.

“We’re delighted to add someone of his calibre and quality to the squad, he’s a leader on the pitch, and he’s telling lads what he wants them to do, which is great.

“He ticks the box for the type of player we want to bring in, he’ll link up our attacking play, which is a top part of his game.”

Rooney started out in the Everton youth set-up, before being released and joining Macclesfield’s youth team.

He made his professional debut for The Silkmen in 2008, before swapping Cheshire for America, having two brief spells with New York Red Bulls and Orlando City.

At the age of 22 he returned to England, spending time with Barnsley and Bury, but struggled to establish himself in the first team.

His big break came with Chester in 2013, and eventually he was hitting double figures for the Seals, before leaving for Wrexham in 2016.

Rooney joined Barrow after a season each with Wrexham and Guiseley, helping The Bluebirds finish 10th, before scoring 17 goals as the Cumbrian-based side won the National League title.

The attack-minded midfielder joined Stockport County, having another prolific season with 16 goals to his name, winning back-to-back National League Player of the Season awards in 2019/20 and 2020/21 before returning to Barrow in January.

He has made 11 appearances for the Bluebirds so far this season, scoring in a 1-1 draw against Fleetwood Town in the Papa John’s Trophy.