Why Jensen Weir is smiles happier since Gary Caldwell returned to Wigan Athletic - 'I owe a lot'

Weir has started all three matches since Caldwell returned to the club last month, with Latics picking up six points from a possible nine to move out of the League One drop zone.

The Academy product even scored the winning goal last weekend against Huddersfield Town, a 25-yard strike that beat ex-Latics custodian Lee Nicholls.

"It was nice to get the goal, from a strike from the edge of the box," said Weir. "I was thinking where to put it, and that was where I aimed to put it.

"It might have taken a little ricochet on the way in, but I'll take it! It's something I've been trying to work on for the whole season really, but I've never found myself in that position on enough occasions.

"It's something I've wanted to do all season...it's something I know I can do...and I've not been consistent enough to do it so far. I need to be accountable for it, I need to get more shots off, and it's something I definitely know I can improve on.

"I've done it previously in my career, I just maybe need to get more shots off, maybe being a bit more selfish, getting shots off. The way we're starting to develop as a team, and me getting closer to the edge of the box, it's hopefully something I can do more.

"But with the position we're in, it's just nice to be able to contribute for the lads. Everyone knows our situation and how important the three points are."

Head coach Caldwell, who took his first coaching steps with the Latics Academy over a decade ago, admitted he had twice tried to sign Weir for other clubs before eventually joining him at Wigan.

"Yes, he's made me aware of that, since he's been here!" laughed the midfielder. "And to be fair, the gaffer's been great with me, whenever I've spoken to him.

"I obviously knew him from when he was here before, he was coaching in the Academy and I trained with him. I owe a lot to him...since he's come in, he's played me...and having him here gives me full confidence."

Despite moving up to the dizzy heights of 19th in the table, Weir is not getting carried away ahead of Saturday’s trip to 20th-placed Blackpool.

"It's only ever about the next game,” he said. "We'll be going into Blackpool full of confidence, we'll have another full week of training, and the gaffer will be on us again in terms of what he wants from us.

"Just because we've had a win, and a couple at home, it doesn't mean anything changes. It's still all about the day-to-day, keeping the standards, there, and not letting anything slip.

"It's always nice to see the league table when you've moved up. Everyone knows the league position we're in, and it would be naive to think we're not aware of that.

"I know it's a cliche, but we take every game as it comes, Blackpool is next, and we need to stay on top if it this week and prepare right for that."