DAVIS Keillor-Dunn hopes Oldham Athletic can keep Dylan Bahamboula at Boundary Park to influence what he predicts could be a big season for the club.

Latics have floundered in recent years, slipping down the divisions and struggling in the bottom half of League Two. But with head coach Keith Curle at the helm Keillor-Dunn feels they are capable of a revival this term, and he sees Bahamboula as key to that.

The Congo international last week returned from a week-long trial with Championship club Middlesbrough and went into the starting line-up for his first friendly – and Latics’ third of the summer – at home to Wigan Athletic on Saturday. Having already lost last season’s top scorer Conor McAleny to Salford City, and with other clubs understood to be monitoring Bahamboula’s situation, Keillor-Dunn hopes the 26-year-old can stay and help Latics challenge at the top end of League Two.

“We need to stay together,” said the attacking midfielder. “He had big moments last season and he gets at his defender.

“He can beat a man, he can stick it in the top corner. If he does that more this year he’ll be a great great player for us.”

Losing last season’s top scorer McAleny to near neighbours the Ammies has made it all the more imperative to avoid losing more star men.

“I like all the boys in there and I don’t want anyone to go. We’ve just got to stick together and all pull in the same direction,” added Keillor-Dunn, who feels Latics have recruited well this summer, with five new signings so far.

“There are some strong lads at the back and good going forward as well.

“I’m really happy with what we’ve brought in. A bit of experience, a bit of savviness, a bit of cleverness and a bit more aggression this year.

“I think we can have a good go and try to get up to the top of the table.”