Power-ful message to Cook

The 24-year-old broke a 20-month goal drought at the weekend with a rasping drive from 30 yards that almost broke the net.

He’d only been on the field a matter of minutes after coming on as a second-half substitute, having again been left out of the starting XI.

And after slipping down the pecking order this term – having been a virtual ever-present during his two previous years with Latics – Power hopes to have given his manager a welcome headache.

“After the goal I was straight over to the gaffer, telling me to stop leaving me out,” smiled Power, who looked set to leave Wigan last summer when he was transfer-listed, after voicing his desire to speak to any interested Championship clubs – which failed to materialise.

“Look, I don’t like going on about it, but after the summer, and everything that went on...I just want to play in every game.”

Power is certainly hammering on the door at the moment, having been nominated for the Sky Bet League One player of the month award for November.

But he feels his versatility, which has always been an asset during his career, may now be causing a problem.

“ At the weekend, I played on the right wing...I’ll play anywhere for the team,” he added.

“I’ve always looked at my versatility as one of my strengths during my career.

“But at times, it’s also proved to be a bit of a hindrance, because you end up doing various jobs for the team, and you end up losing your position.

“As a footballer, it is hard to take. But all you can do is keep working hard, and help the team when the chance arises.

“I’m getting older now, and I’m seeing the bigger picture a bit more. I used to spit my dummy out a lot, but I’m a lot more mature now.

“I see it’s a team game, and as long as we’re winning games, that’s the main thing.”