Latics TV | Will Keane arrives back at the club.
Striker signs until January 2021.
Keane trained with Latics during pre-season and scored in a friendly against Bolton Wanderers.

Speaking to Latics TV after signing for the club on a short-term contract, striker Will Keane said he was delighted to be back with the squad, having trained and played for Latics during pre-season.

"I'm really pleased to be here. I'm excited about the games coming up, to be amongst the squad and give my best.

"I came training at the back end of August and got a couple of pre-season games. Leam (Richardson) was great with me at the time.

"It's taken a bit longer than I would have liked, but I'm really happy to be back here now.

"In pre-season it was only possible for the club to offer me a shorter-term contract, which didn't work for me at the time, but the administrators have now given the green light for me to sign a slightly longer-term contract.

"It's only until January, but it's a good chance for me to play a lot of games over the coming months and build from there."

Keane will be available for selection for Saturday's trip to Crewe Alexandra, with the striker raring to go:

"We're coming up to mid-October now, so I was really eager to get back training here and be with the squad," he continued.

"Last year I was part of Ipswich's squad in League One which was cancelled in March, so it's been a while since I've played competitive football.

"Physically I'm feeling really good. I played in the two games here against Bolton and Bradford, it was a bit frustrating that I couldn't then build on that here, but I trained at another club and kept on top of my fitness to make sure I'm ready to go."

A 20-year-old loanee at the DW Stadium in 2013, Keane featured four times for Latics in his first spell away from Manchester United. Despite it only being a brief stay, he enjoyed his first experience seven years ago.

"It was my first taste of first team football off the back of a long injury at the time - it was a great experience for me at the time.

"I've developed a lot since then, my understanding of the game has matured, so hopefully I can bring that sort of experience having played at this level last season."

Determined to make an impact second time around, Keane says he's been impressed with how Latics have started the campaign.

"It's been a really encouraging start, there are plenty of positives to build on, especially with a couple of great wins.

"The lads are full of confidence and I'm sure seeing a few fresh faces come through the door has helped because more competition for places is what everyone needs to kick on."

Will Keane | "I'm excited to be with the squad and ready to give my best."