We're 'buzzing and confident' for Charlton - Wigan Athletic ace

Latics make the trip to the capital out of the bottom three on goal difference – even with their 12-point deduction, which is being appealed, having been applied.

And they can take another huge step towards securing effectively a second safety of the season with another vital victory.

“Everyone is buzzing for Charlton already,” acknowledged Dowell, whose two career hat-tricks have ironically both come against poor Hull.

“We have two games left and we couldn’t be in a better position, confidence-wise, going into them.

“The gaffer showed us the form table before the Hull game, and we are right at the top of it.

“It’s not just been a few games, it’s been like this since January, so credit to the lads.

“Everyone has done their bit, the team has changed a lot and we’ve ground out lots of good wins.” The on-loan Everton man will be on cloud nine after his sparkling display against the Tigers, capped by his third goal which was as good as anything scored all season.

“I don’t think I’ve scored one better than that,” the England Under-21 man smiled.

“I have scored a hat-trick against Hull before, and there were a couple good goals in that, but not as good as that!

“To be fair, we started really well from the first minute and the lads were at it, everyone was really up for it.

“Credit to the lads because, with the amount of games we’ve had there are a few tired legs.

“The coaching staff and physios have looked after us really well making sure we look after ourselves with the right types of food.”

Dowell also says the players are doing it for their supporters back at home, who have inspired them to fight on with their messages of goodwill and financial help during a difficult couple of weeks.

“The support has been unreal,” added the 22-year-old. “ I’ve seen a few messages on social media, a few videos have been made and it’s really nice to see everyone is behind us.

“We’re just trying to make the fans proud.”