Hughes was out of the professional game between 2004 and 2007

Oldham striker Lee Hughes has said he is now ready to make the step back up to Championship football.

The 32-year-old joined Oldham in August 2007 after serving half a six-year prison sentence for causing death by dangerous driving.

He told BBC Radio Manchester: "I want to play in the Championship, hopefully with Oldham, and I think we've got a great chance this season."

Hughes has experience in the top two divisions with West Brom and Coventry.

Everyone's ambitious at the club to get back up there, and that's what I want to do with Oldham Oldham striker Lee Hughes

He has scored five goals in seven League One appearances this season, as the Latics sit third in the table.

Hughes also thinks the current Oldham squad is good enough to compete at a higher level.

"Everyone's ambitious at the club to get back up there, and that's what I want to do with Oldham. If we can keep the older, more experienced players fit, definitely I think we've got a great chance.

"The younger players got a lot of experience last season, playing a lot of games. Taking that experience onto this season will give us a good chance."

Hughes joined Oldham in August 2007 and scored his first goal in the 3-0 victory away to AFC Bournemouth in November.