'Goals will come' from dynamic duo, insists Wigan Athletic chief
Gary Caldwell hailed strike duo Sonny Perkins and Dara Costelloe for doing the hard yards - and then some - during Wigan Athletic's midweek win over MK Dons - and insisted 'the goals will come'.
The pair once again worked their socks off as Latics picked up their first league points of the season at their fourth attempt.
While each player has scored only once this term - and come in for criticism from a section of the fanbase - Caldwell says their collective value to the team is far more important.
"People need to understand, players have bad games," said the Latics boss. "I had many bad games during my time here, and you have to support players through difficult moments.
"The only thing you can really judge players on is effort, application, desire, hunger for the badge and for the football club.
"Sonny was a man on a mission tonight, in terms of his physicality and his hold-up play, against Charlie (Goode), who we know well, who is a big, strong, defender, was incredible.
"I think he had a point to prove and, even though he didn't score, I'll take that every single week. Because the team scored three goals thanks in part to his play.
"And Dara, in terms of his running, it's second to none, it's incredible how much he runs and how much effort he puts in.
"That can only be applauded, and it was great to see the reaction when he came off the field at the end.
"Yes we want them to be better, and we will work hard with them to be better, but they also need support as well. We can't just hammer these players when they don't score a goal.
"There were a lot of different permutations in my head before the game, in terms of what team I was going to pick. But I'm glad I stuck with the two of them tonight.
"It would have been easy to try to change something, and even though they didn't score again, I was delighted with what they gave me, which was outstanding, and I know that it will come."