Kurt Willoughby has joined Ayr United on loan from Oldham Athletic for the remainder of the season.

The striker was targeted by Latics last season but it was not until the summer that he made the move from Chester to Boundary Park.

However, Willoughby has struggled for the game time he might have anticipated given the club's long pursuit.

The 26-year-old has made just 15 appearances in the National League this season, and only four of those have been starts.

Willoughby has been used only sparingly by manager Micky Mellon. However, it was under the Scot that he scored his only Latics goal in the FA Trophy tie at home to Mickleover in December, and converted a penalty in the shoot-out win to book Oldham's place in the fourth round.

It was an occasion that the former Fylde man hoped he would kick on from as he aimed for more regular first team football.

But Willoughby has featured only twice since, as a late substitute on both occasions.

The arrival of Andrew Dallas and Joe Garner in January has led to him falling further down the front line pecking order, and led to this move to the Scottish Championship.