Fogarty given early chance to impress

MATTHEW Fogarty will fulfil a sporting ambition on Saturday when he makes his debut for Oldham at Featherstone.

Roughyeds coach Tony Benson won't name his squad for this pre-season warm-up clash (5.30pm kick-off) until later, but has revealed that the youngest player will definitely be involved.

Aged 18, the former Saddleworth Rangers centre turned down approaches from Super League club Huddersfield Giants to sign a one-year Oldham contract in early November.

Said Benson: "Matthew is a young player with a lot of potential.

"He trained with the first team this week and he looked as though he had always been part of the squad.

“He lacks nothing in size, pace or skill. He is an exciting prospect who deserves a chance to test himself at Featherstone.

“He will be given that chance and we will see how he goes."

Oldham-born, Fogarty played at Saddleworth from aged eight to when he was 13.

He then moved to Waterhead and on to Salford City Reds.

When he signed for the Roughyeds a couple of months ago, he said: "I'm ambitious, but for now I'm just glad to fulfil my dream to play for Oldham, my hometown club."