Gary Roberts added to Wigan Athletic injured list

Roberts, making his 50th league appearance for the club, was continuing his fine form of late before pulling up lame with a hamstring problem just before the break.

And the Latics boss will be keeping his fingers crossed that, with only nine games remaining, Roberts' season is not over.

"It's disappointing for Gary, it really is," acknowledged Cook.

"It doesn't look a good injury, it's a hamstring problem.

"He was very much one of our infectious players in the half he was on.

"He's got such a good appetite for football, and that can be infectious, it catches on and gives others a lift.

"Gary will be a big miss for us, he's such a good player.

"He's been a go-to player for me at three clubs now - Chesterfield, Portsmouth and Wigan - and he's never let me down.

"You get exactly what you see with Gary.

"Not only has he got quality, but he also has an appetite to play football which shines through.

"The other players - especially some of the young lads - can learn a lot from Gary.

"He just has that love of football, which is probably the reason he's still playing at his age."

Cook is also hoping for good news regarding left-back Tom Pearce, who was forced to pull out of the squad hours before kick-off.

"Tom reported a neck injury in the morning, we were going to be unchanged," revealed Cook.

"It was disappointing to lose Tom, but Kal (Naismith) has been doing great for us down the left.

"The squad is getting a little bit stretched at the minute, but so is everyone else's."

Chey Dunkley, Danny Fox and Kieran Dowell are already out for the season, while Antonee Robinson and Joe Gelhardt are also currently unavailable.