Oldham boss Lee Johnson has hailed the signing of Norwich City midfielder Korey Smith as a 'coup' for the club.

Johnson, the youngest manager in the Football League at 31, kicked off his reign with a 3-0 home win over Hartlepool on Tuesday, the day after taking charge.

Smith, 22, made his debut for Oldham in that match after signing on loan at Boundary Park until the end of the season.

And Johnson revealed he was involved in Smith's arrival even before he was appointed the Latics' manager.

Johnson said: 'He is a top player and I am delighted to have him on board.

'He has pedigree and, at a young age, has played a lot of games and been involved in promotions. I have seen a lot of him and I didn't think we would get him, but am really pleased we have done so.'

Smith has made 73 first team appearances for the Canaries, but has had only one senior outing in nearly two years after helping them to promotion from League One and the Championship.

Former Bristol City player Johnson – born in Newmarket and the son of Yeovil manager Gary – said he had recommended Smith to Oldham before accepting the job.

He told Oldham's official website: 'At the time Dean Furman had gone and I was discussing coming in.

'I told the club to do me a favour and take the lad as he is a really top player. I actually said I will let you have that one for free as at that time I hadn't decided to join the club.'

Oldham moved out of the bottom four in League One by beating Hartlepool but had their match against Shrewsbury postponed on Saturday due to snow.