SELIM Benachour believes knocking League One Sunderland out of the Papa John's Trophy will help to galvanise Oldham Athletic ahead of two big home games.

Harry Vaughan's second half strike was enough to cause an upset and eliminate the holders last night.

And Benachour wants to harness the euphoria to boost Latics for a tough League Two challenge, starting with the visits of Tranmere Rovers and Forest Green Rovers to Boundary Park in the next nine days.

"We know that we are struggling in the league so I think that this victory will give us a lot of confidence to build for the next two games, Tranmere and Forest Green at home," said the interim head coach.

"I think these games will be so, so important, so it was a very good result to prepare for the next two games.

"They (Sunderland) had four players who start generally and the rest youngsters but we don't care, we went there to win the game. It's good for the club.

"All the players were switched on, fighting for each other and that's the mindset that I want to bring to this team and this club and I think that will help us.

"As I said to the players in the centre circle (at the end) we fought. Everybody was absolutely outstanding, even the subs.

"I think we delivered a top performance and this will help us for the future, in the league.

"We need to keep working like that. I saw a lot of desire from my players and we need to keep the same mindset.

"We have an important game next week (against Tranmere) and we need to build on this victory."

Latics have a blank weekend after being knocked out of the FA Cup first round.

And that is why Benachour feels it was all the more important to get a positive result at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday.

The Black Cats beat Oldham at Boundary Park at the same stage last season. But Vaughan exacted revenge in the reverse fixture a year on to earn a place in the last 16.

It was the 17-year-old's first appearance for Latics in almost a month, having been on international duty with the Republic of Ireland Under 18s during the last international break.

Vaughan was an unused substitute for Benachour's first game in charge, but the interim head coach said he had warranted a start for his efforts at the club's Chapel Road training ground ahead of the Trophy tie.

"I'm so happy for Harry because he's come a long way, he works hard and he deserves his goal," he said.

"He was very good in training which is why I gave him a start and he gave me a good response so I'm really happy about his performance."

Benny Couto also returned to the starting XI after missing the derby at Salford through illness.

"Benny was outstanding, he worked a lot," Benachour added.