Ups and downs 'part and parcel of it' - Wigan Athletic boss

John Sheridan believes his Wigan Athletic youngsters are learning valuable lessons – good and bad – after being thrown in at the deep end.
Chris Merrie - Wigan Athletic's player of the month for SeptemberChris Merrie - Wigan Athletic's player of the month for September
Chris Merrie - Wigan Athletic's player of the month for September

Chris Merrie, 21, and Alex Perry, 22, have been fixtures in the midfield all season, despite not having featured in the league prior to last month.

The pair endured their toughest afternoon yet at Crewe on Saturday, with both substituted before the hour mark, on a day Latics were second best across the park.

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But Sheridan says it’s all part of their development into becoming first-team regulars.

“The big thing is they’ve got that belief – from me, the coaching staff and from themselves – that they can play,” said the Latics boss.

“It’s a big learning curve for them, but at the same time it’s also a massive opportunity for them to show what they can do.

“They’ve seen the openings that have been created, by the situation at the club, and they’ve come in and done well.

“They’re going to make mistakes, of course they are, but that’s part and parcel of the game.

“Hopefully they’ll keep on improving and keep on learning. They’re doing great so far."