Oldham defender John Thompson is desperate to put his injury nightmare behind him after returning to action in Saturday's 3-0 defeat at Luton.The Irish international has been sidelined with a series of knee injuries that have restricted him to just 10 appearances for John Sheridan's side since his move from Nottingham Forest last summer.

However the 26-year-old came off the bench following Reuben Hazell's 32nd minute red card at Kenilworth Road and, despite the scoreline, impressed alongside Stefan Stam in the heart of the Latics defence.

And with Hazell's impending suspension the Irishman is looking to regain his place in Sheridan's starting XI for the game against Millwall at the weekend.

He told the club's official website: "It was tough coming on at that stage but I really enjoyed it. Everybody knows I've had a lot of injuries this season and just being out on the pitch with the lads was great for me.

"This is the best I've felt all season and I think it showed in my performance. Now I want to build on that and stay in the team for as long as possible."

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