'Fabulous captain' Sam Morsy hailed after landmark

The Egypt international marked his 150th appearance for Latics with the opening goal in the 2-2 draw against Middlesbrough.

Just as impressive was staying out of referee Oliver Langford’s packed notebook, with Morsy having been on nine bookings – one short of a two-match ban – for almost a couple of months.

And Cook is well aware just how important Morsy is to the cause – and how crucial it is he stays on the field for as long as possible.

“I thought Sammy was outstanding again on Tuesday,” enthused the Latics boss.

“He’s a fabulous captain and very inspirational.

“He was fully committed as ever, and showed a great desire to help us get something out of the game.

“He just wants to win at everything he does, he’s such a competitive boy and he’s a winner.

“Albeit he’s in a side that’s not doing so great, but that doesn’t stop him wanting to win.”

One man to fall foul of the law is Chey Dunkley, whose red card against Boro – his second of the campaign – will mean a two-game suspension.

On-loan Brighton defender Leon Balogun looks to be a ready-made replacement, having taken over at the back in midweek.

And Cook admits he almost gave him the nod against Boro, only to stay ‘loyal’ to his tried-and-trusted backline.

“It was a big decision for me, and whether to play Leon,” added Cook.

“He’s obviously got a good pedigree, but I wanted to be loyal to the players who have done so well.

“Sometimes you can get too caught up with the result, but these players did so well against Leeds and Sheffield Wednesday.

"To be fair to Chey, and Cedric (Kipre), and Kal (Naismith), they’ve done really well at the back.

“I thought to leave them out after one result would have been tough, and I thought they all earned their stripes again.”

Right-back Nathan Byrne currently has eight yellow cards to his name.