Wigan Athletic hero says Mass-ive thanks to pal!

The on-loan Feyenoord man was surprisingly drafted into a midfield role on Saturday, having been utilised in a defensive capacity since his January arrival.

And he took advantage of his more advanced position to pop up with a brilliant header midway through the first half that set Latics on their way.

But he was keen to deflect some of the plaudits to winger Massey.

“I actually shouldn’t have been in the box but Gavin Massey told me to get in there," he laughed.

“I guess right place, right time! I didn’t think I had time to bring it down so I headed it in the right direction and it went in.

"I was happy to get the first goal and set the team on their way. But credit to Gavin for the assist!"

Latics built on Johnston's maiden senior goal to pick up three precious - and well deserved - points in the fight against the drop.

And with none of the other teams in the bottom five winning, Johnston feels it could be a significant moment in the relegation dogfight.

“It was a perfect day for the team," the former Liverpool junior recognised.

“The lads put in a massive shift and hopefully we push on from here now.

“Hopefully this gives us a bit of momentum now, and one of the most important points was the clean sheet.

"We haven’t had too many, but it’s something we can definitely build on.

"It is not just the defence, it’s the midfield and the whole team that gets the clean sheet.

"If we can take into Plymouth on Tuesday, and the next few weeks, that should stand us in good stead."

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