Erik upbeat
Erik Edman has been in football long enough to know not to take anything for granted.
And that's why the 31-year-old is keeping his feet firmly on the ground after making his long-awaited return to the first-team fold against Fulham.
Plenty happened in the 20 months since the Swede's previous Premier League start for Latics – the trip to Blackburn in March, 2008, when he wrecked his knee ligaments.
Not only has Maynor Figueroa transformed himself from unknown trialist into established star, Edman also has a new manager to impress in Roberto Martinez.
But, after coming through his big day unscathed, he is not about to burden himself with any unrealistic targets just yet.
Edman said: "I still think Maynor is the first-choice left-back.
"He's been doing so well over the last couple of seasons.
"Sunday was obviously my first game under the new
manager, and there have been a lot of changes in the way we play.
"We're still in the transition period he speaks of, and you have to give things time – especially when you have a lot of new players coming in, and a new style to adapt to.
"But, having said that, I still want to do as well as possible when I'm given the chance."
That chance looks set to continue for the next month or so, with Figueroa sidelined.
And, according to team-mate Emmerson Boyce, Edman still has the necessary attributes to do a job at the highest level.
Boyce said: "Erik is a very good player. He's been waiting for his chance to get back into the first team, and he's got that now with Maynor being injured.
"That's what the gaffer wants – a big squad with everyone fighting for their place – and Erik did himself justice on Sunday."
Edman lasted well into the final quarter against the Cottagers before Martinez elected to throw on Scott Sinclair as an extra attacker at the expense of a defender.
He even had a hand in the Wigan goal, supplying the cross for Paul Scharner to cushion into the path of in-form sharp-shooter Boyce.
"It was a nice goal to be a part of, and overall I think we
deserved three points from Sunday's game," Edman said.
"We were all slightly disappointed with the result, although there were a lot of positives to come out of our performance.
"When you look at the game over the full 90 minutes, I think we deserved to get the win for the attitude and commitment we showed.
"Overall, it was a tough game for me to come back in to.
"Fulham are a great side and, since Roy Hodgson took over, they've progressed terrifically.
"But I was just delighted to be back on the pitch, and playing football again."
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Weather for Wigan
Thursday 02 September 2010
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 8 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 9 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South east
