Nine of those 13 matches were starts for the number six but after sporadic appearances he moved to the DW Stadium in search of regular game-time.

The Town midfielder made four appearances after joining the Latics on transfer deadline day in January, with the aim of playing a key role in their push for automatic promotion from Sky Bet League One.

But Rea would suffer a serious knee injury during a league match against AFC Wimbledon which ended his campaign prematurely.

The 27-year-old is now in the process of underdoing rehabilitation and has the full support of everyone at Kenilworth Road.