Boss Joe Royle says that he agreed to allow striker Dean Bowditch to join Oldham on loan to give the England U19 international some first team experience. Bowditch has turned down the chance of a temporary move to Boundary Park.

Royle said: "I felt the move might have benefited Deano but he wasn't keen and that's the end of it.

"If another club came in for him we would consider that move on its merits. I believe he would benefit from playing first team football.

"He is not getting much first team experience here at the moment and he needs to score a goal somewhere."

The 18-year-old has started only six Championship games this season and two in the Carling Cup, but has made 15 appearances as a sub. The striker has scored three goals.

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