Former Carlisle United loan striker Jack Stretton has made a move to the National League.

The Stockport County frontman has joined Oldham Athletic in a deal until January 5.

League One club Stockport say it is an important next step for Stretton after his recent return to action after a long-term injury.

The 23-year-old joins a Latics side who are sixth in non-league's top tier.

Stretton, who was on loan at Carlisle in the first half of the 2022/23 season, said he was looking forward to the challenge at Boundary Park.

“I’m buzzing to be here, I can’t wait to get started,  this is a huge club with huge expectations,” he said on the Oldham website.

“As soon as I spoke to my agent and was told this was an option and it was a no brainer, really.

“I trained for the first time today, the coaching staff are incredible, this is a club on the rise so I’m privileged to be a part of it.

“I love scoring goals, like any striker does, I’ll make runs in behind and contribute in any way I can to help this club achieve the success it deserves.”

Oldham boss Micky Mellon added: "We’ve known about Jack for a while, Stockport value him very highly and want him to play games.

Stretton, right, is denied by United keeper Tomas Holy in a key extra-time moment during 2023's play-off finalStretton, right, is denied by United keeper Tomas Holy in a key extra-time moment during 2023's play-off final (Image: PA)

“He will push and add to what we already have, he’s played in some big games and operated [at] a high level comfortably."

Stretton, whilst on loan from Derby County, made 23 appearances and scored two goals in the first half of 2022/23, before making a permanent move to Stockport.

He played against the Blues in that season's League Two play-off final as United won on penalties.

The frontman then missed out on the whole of last season thanks to an anterior cruciate knee ligament injury as the Hatters won the fourth-tier title.

He scored twice on his comeback appearance in Stockport's 4-1 win at Accrington Stanley in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy earlier this month.

His new team-mates at Oldham include the former Carlisle duo Joe Garner and Magnus Norman.