Having secured Carl Winchester’s services for another season, Oldham Athletic boss Lee Johnson plans to convert the youngster into a defender.
The 20-year-old, who made his debut at right back in 2010 against Accrington Stanley, favours a midfield role despite his versatility.
Manager Johnson is glad Winchester will be staying at Boundary Park as he feels the Northern Irishman has a lot of unfulfilled promise after making just 11 appearances last season.
“I am really pleased that Carl has signed his contract extension and is staying,” Johnson told the club’s website.
“I felt bad for Carl last season because he didn’t have enough game time when you consider how well he trained and played in reserve-team games.
“I know Carl wants to play in midfield, but I want to have a look at him at right back because I think he has the potential to be a top class right back.”
Born in Belfast, the youngster made his international debut for Northern Ireland in May 2011 and set up Reece Wabara’s looping header against Liverpool in the FA Cup giant killing.
Winchester’s Latics career has been disrupted by injuries.
He has played just 31 times, scoring his only goal in the last game of the 2010/11 campaign against MK Dons.
Off the field, Johnson has added to his backroom by bringing in a goalkeeping and a fitness coach.
Bobby Mimms, formerly goalkeeping coach at Wolves and Blackburn Rovers, and Lee Steele (fitness) have signed on short-term contracts.
Steele and Johnson were teammates at Brighton while Mimms gained three England Under-21 caps during a playing career that included spells at Everton, Tottenham Hotspur and Blackburn.
Meanwhile Oldham’s fixture against Bradford City has been moved to December 1 to avoid a clash with Rugby League’s World Cup final and Sky will broadcast the Preston North End game on September 9.
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