RONNIE Moore has attacked the introduction of the transfer window as he continues his search for a midfielder.

Despite numerous phone calls to clubs in the Premiership and Championship, the Latics chief has seen his attempts at landing an experienced central midfielder come to nothing.

As happened during the previous window, it appears clubs higher up the league ladder are only willing to send out younger players.

Moore said: "It showed when Richie Wellens was missing the other day that we missed someone to get their foot on the ball. At this present time, there aren't a lot of good midfielders available - it's just a lot of kids.

"It's up to myself and the scouting team to produce the player we want. If we do, I'm sure things will be done, I don't think there's any doubt about that.

"The hardest thing is finding them though - a lot of managers are looking, but they can't spend their money because they can't find anyone they want."

While trying to bring someone in, Moore is also looking at shipping a few players out with Chris Killen and David Eyres available for loan.

Killen's proposed switch to Hibernian did not materialise as it is understood the Edinburgh club initially wanted him on a two-week trial.

The Kiwi took out his frustration by scoring a hat-trick for the reserve team in their 4-2 win against Bury on Wednesday, which saw Shakers boss Graham Barrow in attendance, along with representatives from Blackpool.

Another player whose Latics future is up in the air is Adam Griffin, currently on loan at Oxford United under ex-Oldham boss Brian Talbot.

Moore said: "David Eyres and Chris Killen both want to play games - I've said the best thing is for them to get out on loan and play games.

"A fit and willing Chris Killen is an asset to any club, the problem with Chris Killen is you can't get him on the pitch.

"I've said Eyresey's been our lucky charm as we keep winning, but he's not happy being called that when he's on the bench. He wants to play and I've said he can go out on loan. We've let people know they're available, I'm just waiting for the phone calls.

"With Griff, I'm just waiting for their manager to come back with his feelings on the boy and whether he wants to take him full-time or not."