Callum McManaman sets sights on fight for a Wigan Athletic starting spot

The 27-year-old made an emotional return to Wigan over the summer, three-and-a-half years after fleeing the nest for a new challenge at West Brom.

So far he’s only dipped his toe into the first team pool, with six of his eight league appearances having come off the bench.

But ahead of this weekend’s visit of his former club to the DW Stadium, McManaman is hoping a sparkling cameo off the bench in the derby defeat at Preston - Wigan’s last game before the international break - acted as a timely reminder to Paul Cook as to his capabilities.

“I felt good when I came on at Preston, I felt sharp,” he told the Wigan Post.

“Obviously with us having 10 men I didn’t get on the ball as much as I’d have liked.

“Normally coming off the bench and you’re getting beat you’d be mostly going forward, but there was still a lot of defending to do.

“On the whole I think I’ve done quite well coming off the bench this season, I just need to get back in the side.

“The gaffer’s been really good with me, helping me along the way.

“He’s said he’s been happy with the way I’ve played off the bench, impacting games.

“I’m just waiting for my chance now, and I’m determined to take it when it comes. I feel happy, I feel sharp, all I need now is games under my belt.”