Perfect symmetry of Wigan Athletic star's return

The 25-year-old set Latics on their way to victory at Home Park with his first goal in 17 months.

It continued his increasing impact on the side since coming back from four months out with an ankle problem - which has coincided with an improvement in fortunes.

And having been cut down in the corresponding fixture against Plymouth at the DW back in October, Solomon-Otabor admitted it was a perfect way to draw a line under his misfortune.

“The goal meant a lot," he said. "Having been out for four months, having been injured in this fixture (at home).

"This goal was for the lads, the staff, the doctor and the physios who helped me get back playing games, and playing 90 minutes week in week out.

"It was for them and to say thank you to them.”

After feeling his way back initially off the bench, Solomon-Otabor has now become a focal point of a Latics side who are now out of the relegation zone for the first time since Halloween.

“Game by game I feel fitter, stronger and more confident,” he added. “I’m getting better every game, you can see that with the performances.

"They are getting stronger, we’re winning games, and obviously contributing with goals and getting on the scoresheet is very good.

“Everyone is getting more confident and now knowing how each other plays.

"We’re working hard for each other, we’re fighting because we want to stay in this league."

He also credited boss Leam Richardson for challenging him to push on and make himself more and more of a goal threat.

“The gaffer is always telling me to get into those areas between the centre backs and full-backs," he revealed.

"I saw Gav (Massey) and thought: ‘this is my ball’.

"I struck it well and seeing it go into the top corner, I was very pleased."

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