JAMIE Bowden is hoping one giant step away from Tottenham Hotspur will mean one giant leap forward for his career.

The midfielder has been with Spurs since he was just six years old and has never left, until now.

The move to Boundary Park might only be temporary, on a season long loan.

But the 20-year-old hopes it will prove to be a significant one for his future career path.

"It's a new challenge for me. I've never been on loan before so I think the fact that Oldham have come for me is quite nice," said Bowden, who completed his move on the eve of the new season.

"I know they've had a lot of young players over the years who have gone on and done well and I want to carry on that trend.

"I think for me right now it's getting games in, playing men's football and just experiencing what it's all about to be a footballer. That's the main thing.

"I've been at Tottenham since I was about six years old and ever since then that's all I've known, and to get away from it now is a new challenge for me and I'm enjoying it so far."

And although Bowden is young and inexperienced, making his Football League debut on the opening day against Newport County, he is confident he can have an impact for Latics.

"I'm a player that likes to get on the ball and pass the ball, look forward at strikers and get into the box," he said.

"I think the strikers will like playing with me because I do like to get the ball to them as quickly as possible and dictate play and try to score goals as well.

"The part I'm looking forward to the most is in the 80th minute when you need someone to do something I think I can be that person."

Speaking to the club, he added: "I'll give my best for the club and that's the least anyone can do.

"I'm just hoping to do well, I'm sure we'll do well and try to get three points every week."

Not only is it Bowden's first time away from Spurs, but his first period away from his London roots, and it is an opportunity he is ready to grab with both hands.

"Oliver Skipp went on loan last season (to Norwich) and did really really well," he said in an interview with the club.

"Players like that, came back and said 'it's a great experience, you need to get out on loan.

"I like to have new challenges and be outside of my comfort zone.

"Everyone's super friendly here and made me feel welcome so I can't thank them enough."