The former England youth international can play at centre-mid, right-mid or even up front, and was used on the right against Thurrock, which was screened live on BBC.
Wigan-born Croft, who might stay at Oldham for the rest of the season if all goes well, was fouled for a 48th penalty and former City reserve team-mate Chris Killen made no mistake from the spot to give Oldham a 1-0 win over the Conference South outfit.
"When I saw their fixtures I got really excited and I am looking forward to playing regular first team football," Croft told the M.E.N.
"That's what the move is all about. Oldham have a good mix of experience and youth, and that also appealed to me.
"Kevin Keegan said a lot of clubs have shown interest in me but he had never wanted to let me go. But he felt this would be a good move at this time in my career."
"I like beating players and getting past them with my pace and a few tricks," added Croft, who has trained with the first team squad for the last two years but is yet to make his senior debut.
"I am an attacking creative player who provides goalscoring opportunities for others. I have shown the City fans what I can do in the reserve side - now I want to do the same for Oldham supporters in their first team."