Latics defender Josef Yarney has put pen to paper over an 18-month contract at Boundary Park.

The 25-year-old joined the club on a short-term deal last month following spells with Morecambe and Chesterfield. He also spent time at Everton and Newcastle as a youngster.

Yarney has made three appearances for Latics so far and was on target during the 2-0 victory against York City. He played the full 90 minutes that day and did the same during last weekend’s 1-1 draw against Aldershot.

He told the club’s website: "I'm happy to get the deal done as I've really enjoyed my time here over the last month.

"We've got a couple of good results in the league, so hopefully we can carry that on.

"It's a hard league to deal with, but we've got a good set of lads in the changing room. There’s a good atmosphere and everyone's working really hard."

Latics are currently 20th in the National League table – two points above the drop zone despite having at least two games in hand on the sides below them.

David Unsworth’s men are back in action on Saturday afternoon when they welcome Halifax Town to Boundary Park (3pm).