KEITH Curle is looking for the next Harry Vaughan after insisting there will be "a pathway for every player" while he is in charge of Oldham Athletic.

As well as looking at the market for strengthening his squad in his first transfer window at Boundary Park, the head coach is also putting a focus on youth development at the club.

Three second year scholars have been offered their first professional deals, with Vani Da Silva, Junior Luamba and Will Sutton all transitioning to the senior squad this summer, while first year scholar Vaughan has been fast tracked to a professional contract - signing a two-year deal at the age of just 17 after making his first team debut and a total of six substitute appearances last term.

Curle has a track record of developing Academy players, and that is something he is keen to continue with Latics.

"It's an exciting time for those young players because they're just starting their journey and their pathway to being representatives of the Oldham professional ranks, which is vitally important," he said.

“There’s a pathway here for every player. That is something the football club has identified and these players have been invited on that journey.

"They’re currently taking their first step on the ladder and they know that the harder they work, the more the more hours they put in to improve, then the more rungs they can move up that ladder.

"There are things they're going to have to learn along the way and they've got to learn quickly.

“I’m really looking forward to working with the younger lads, seeing how they develop and what they can bring to the squad.

"The rewards potentially are fantastic but it all starts with hard work. The younger lads will be watching their heroes in the European Championships and some of the players in that squad should serve as motivation.

“For our lads to be starting out on that journey is fantastic. As a coach and manager, I've started off the careers of some very good young players, from being an apprentice, all the way through to representing their country.

"When I was at Northampton I gave 160-odd appearances to Academy proteges."

Among them was young defender Max Dyche, son of Burnley boss Sean. In addition, the Latics boss was instrumental in developing the career of Scott Wharton during his loan spell with the Cobblers from Blackburn Rovers, with the defender going on to sign a new contract at Ewood Park after helping Northampton win promotion to League One via the play-offs.

Curle added: "I always had one eye on the development and the pathway they needed to go on.

"But I can assure you, they have to be good enough.

"We’ve got some talented young players who are starting out and it’s down to them to make the most of their opportunity.”