JAYSON Leutwiler is hoping to be a leader in the Latics dressing room next season.

The goalkeeper has signed a two-year deal at Boundary Park having been on the books of Fleetwood and Huddersfield last season.

At 32, the Switzerland-born Canada international brings plenty of experience between the sticks for Keith Curle. And Leutwiler hopes he will really be able to make his mark at Boundary Park.

“The gaffer said to me he needs someone with my experience, somebody who is a leader and I fit perfectly for that role,” he said.

“I’ve been at Blackburn, Middlesbrough, Huddersfield in the Championship which was a good experience and I’ve played at League One and League Two level as well.

“I know the league well and I know what the demands are.

“I know what I can do and I’ll try and bring positive things to the team.”

Another goalkeeper is on Curle’s shopping list but Leutwiler is determined to make the No.1 spot his own after loanees Ian Lawlor and Laurie Walker were used last season.

Leutwiler began his career with Basel in his native Switzerland before joining Middlesbrough in 2012. But it was at Shrewsbury where he established himself, making 118 league appearances, which earned him a move to Blackburn.

He was a backup in his three years at Ewood Park, but did make 13 appearances in all competitions.

His season last year was split, playing 18 times for League One Fleetwood before watching on from the sidelines at Huddersfield, a move that came after he had spent a training session with Latics in January.

“I need to play a full season and try and enjoy the game again,” the ‘keeper said.

“I played the first six months of the season at Fleetwood and I came in January and had just one training session and then I signed for Huddersfield.

“At Huddersfield I was a sub keeper. I kept myself fit and trained hard every day. I probably trained harder.”

Leutwiler is well aware part of his challenge will be helping bring more of a backbone to League Two’s worst defence last season.

“The target is to be successful and keep as many clean sheets as possible,” he said.

“It will be hard work, we know that. We don’t know each other yet, but it’s going to be interesting to meet everyone and work together and try and get a relationship which takes time.

“I hope we’ll do it as soon as possible and be successful.”