Promising Wigan Athletic youngster Kai Payne has joined Oldham Athletic on loan until November 11.

The 19-year-old combative midfielder has caught manager Micky Mellon's eye, and the Latics boss feels his arrival is a timely one.

“I’m really excited about getting Kai in, with injuries we’ve got at the minute it’s great to bring him in," said the Scot.

“We watch a lot of football and have a lot of connections, Kai is one we’ve always wanted if he’s available.

“He’s a talented young man eager to play football, and he will be a great addition to our good squad.

“He’s a holding midfielder who will slip in and compliment what we already have, so we’re looking forward to seeing what he can do in an Oldham shirt.”

Payne was part of Liverpool's Academy until the age of 13, later joining Wigan Athletic following a trial in 2018.

He signed his first professional contract in 2022 during the second year of his scholarship.

Payne was loaned out to Mossley to gain match experience, and became a popular figure there, scoring twice in nine appearances.

He made his Wigan debut in an EFL Trophy game against Tranmere Rovers in November 2023.

His league debut followed this season, as a 58th minute substitute in a 1-0 win over Crawley in August.

Of his move to Boundary Park Payne said: “I’m delighted to sign, this is a massive club and I can’t wait to get started.

“I think this will be massive for my development , I’m a young lad who’s hungry to get out there and play.

“I’ve been doing well at Wigan, but it’s just about getting some minutes. I’ve been working with my agent to get something done and Oldham came up and it was a no brainer.

“I’m a high energetic player who will hopefully contribute with goals and assists and will do anything to bring success.”

Latics last did business with Wigan last season in signing striker Josh Stones, who became an instant hit at Boundary Park before injury curtailed his time with the club.