A FORMER Warrinton Wolves forward, who is serving a nine-month ban for assaulting a referee, has signed a new 12-month contract with Betfred League One club Oldham.

The 25-year-old Ireland international, the younger brother of ex-Wire centre Chris, tackled referee Cameron Worsley believing him to be an opponent during a game against Keighley last July and was suspended until April.

However, Oldham are standing by the player, who says he is determined to repay their faith.

"The club stuck by me when I was at an all-time low so all things being equal I was never going to go anywhere else," said Bridge, who played in the 2013 World Cup after making three Wire appearances that year.

"I made a big mistake in the heat of the moment and let down the club, the lads, the coaching staff and the fans so my intention was always to get back into the side as quickly as possible to make up for lost time and to put the awful events of the past few months behind me.

"I'll miss the first couple of months of the season but I can't wait to get back."

Oldham coach Scott Naylor said: "He's top quality and to keep hold of him is a massive signing for club, squad and team."