REUBEN Hazell crowned his player of the month award by declaring he wants to see out his career at Boundary Park.

The centre-half was named as Latics' top player in December, collecting his award prior to Monday's 2-1 victory against Hartlepool United.

Having joined the club on a free transfer in 2007, the 29-year-old has been a consistent figure at the heart of John Sheridan's backline.

He said: "I'm playing the most consistent football of my career and I feel part of the club.

"I enjoy it here, the training's brilliant and I'd like to stay. Once you feel comfortable in yourself, you can go out and perform."

Hazell has been a fixture at the heart of the defence in his time at Boundary Park with Stefan Stam and Sean Gregan both succumbing to injuries.

Neal Eardley, Kelvin Lomax, Daniel Jones and Richie Byrne have all played at full-back this season, leaving Hazell to admit that all defenders seek a consistent back four.

He said: "Last season I played a lot with Stammy and I enjoyed that, I think we did well together, but this season it's mainly been Greegs. However, I'll play with anyone as long as I'm playing.

"They're different players, Greegs likes to attack the ball and Stammy isn't as aggressive, but I think I work well with both of them - they can use their left foot and I can't!

"It's nice to have consistency as a back four, you know what each other's strengths and weaknesses are. You get to know what other people do when the ball's in certain positions."