FORMER Latics loanee Alfie McCalmont believes he is making a natural progression in his football career after agreeing a season-long deal with newly promoted Morecambe.

The Leeds United youngster made 39 appearances during his Boundary Park spell last season, scoring 10 goals.

McCalmont had a number of options in League One, with League Two champions Cheltenham also understood to be interested.

But the 21-year-old midfielder felt Morecambe was a good fit.

“I had a good season (at Oldham), played a lot of games, scored a few goals and then I just thought this opportunity to go up to League One with Morecambe was the right step for me and I’m just happy to be here," said McCalmont, who earned a senior Northern Ireland call-up for last month's games against Malta and Ukraine after starring for Latics.

“I knew the gaffer because of the Northern Ireland connection, I’ve been up last week to have a conversation and see the training ground, the stadium and just see what the plan was and how it’d suit me.

“After hearing that, I thought straight away that’s for me, and I just wanted to get the deal done as soon as possible."

And McCalmont, who has been on Leeds' books since the age of nine, is looking to build on last season's impressive goalscoring return.

Speaking to the club's website, he added: “I can either play holding or more attacking (midfield).

“At Leeds, I was more of a holding midfielder to link the play. Last season at Oldham, I played more further forward, and I ended up getting 10 goals so hopefully I can keep that going into next season and keep firing the goals in.”

Shrimps boss Stephen Robinson said: “I’m really excited about the signing, he’s a fantastic addition to the squad.

“He proved his quality on loan last season at Oldham, he gets goals from midfield and is a full Northern Ireland international which further highlights his quality.”