New signing Joe Nuttall can’t wait to get going at Oldham Athletic as he nears the end of his suspension.

Nuttall had been a target for David Unsworth since he took charge at Boundary Park and eventually joined Latics from Scunthorpe United earlier this month

However, the forward is yet to make his debut after he was sent off during his final appearance for the Iron – a 3-1 defeat against Wealdstone.

He will be available for selection after tonight’s FA Trophy tie against Peterborough Sports (7.45pm).

Nuttall is eager to step onto the pitch in front of the Latics faithful and could be involved against Notts County on Boxing Day.

"I'm excited to get going and get out there in front of the fans and hopefully show what I can do,” he said. "I'm very excited for the opportunity.

“It's obviously a great club and a big club and it's always nice when the manager shows interest. Hopefully I can pay him back by proving my worth out there.

"I just like to score goals, get in the box, make runs in behind, hold up play - I like to do everything really. I just like to play football and if I can get goals doing that then I'm happy.”

Nuttall came through the ranks at Manchester City and went on to have spells with Aberdeen, Stranraer and Dumbarton north of the border.

The forward returned to England with Blackburn and also had stints at Blackpool and Northampton before heading to Scunthorpe earlier this year.

He has scored nine goals in 20 appearances since the start of the campaign and hopes he can hit the ground running at Boundary Park.

"I think confidence and momentum as a striker is key. I've had a good season so far and I just want to build on that, get more goals and hopefully get this club to where it should be,” Nuttall added.

"I'm hungrier than ever, I want to prove a point to myself. I know I can score goals and I've always believed I can.

"I'm hungrier than ever and I think this season that's been on show. I'm desperate to get on the pitch and prove what I can do and hopefully get some goals.”

Tonight’s opponents are currently eighth in the National League North – just two points off the play-off places.

The fixture was initially scheduled to take place at the weekend but it was postponed due to a frozen pitch.