Wigan Athletic ace aims for treble tonic

The striker scored for the second game in a row against Sunderland on Tuesday, on the back of his strike at Doncaster on Saturday.

It’s the third time Latics have won back-to-back league games this term.

And Keane says if they can make that three – for the first time in almost a year – against Crewe on Saturday, they can steal another march on their relegation rivals.

“We’re absolutely delighted with the three points to back up Saturday’s result, it’s massive to get the back-to-back results,” he said.

“We’ll enjoy it, but we know we have another massive game on Saturday now.

“We know it means nothing if we don’t go and back it up again and get a third win on the spin.

“We know if we turn up and produce then we can give anyone a good game and we back ourselves in every match.”

While goalscorers Keane and Lang grabbed most of the headlines, Joe Dodoo was also impressive with a brace of assists.

“I thought he was outstanding,” acknowledged Keane.

“His work ethic and the way he puts himself about are a massive threat for us, and it wasn’t easy for their centre halves to play against.

“He was probably unfortunate not to get himself a goal tonight, but two great assists from him.

“We probably could have had a few more ourselves and I am disappointed with myself personally for not taking a couple more on the break.”

Keane’s return to form followed 14 matches without a goal – which can be traced back exactly to having to self-isolate due to Covid-19.

Prior to that enforced absence, he’d bagged six goals in his previous 10 matches – the most productive spell of his career.

And boss Leam Richardson believes the Covid effect – still a relatively new phenomenon – could have been affecting him in recent weeks under the radar.

“Yeah possibly,” he acknowledged. “And I also think one of the things you’ve got to look at is he probably represents the season as a whole.

“He came to us late at the beginning of the season, and at Christmas he probably wasn’t sure as to where his future lay.

“He then had Covid...and wherever the future is for him, he’s probably still not sure.

“But he’s certainly working as hard as he can, and I can’t speak highly enough of him as a person.

“I don’t think Will Keane’s talents will ever get questioned.

“He’s a very honest lad, who needs to be very aware of his numbers around the pitch, and his positions around the pitch.

“Because quality wise, he’s top class, we see him in all the right places and making all the right decisions, and he’s certainly been one of the catalysts in the recent results.”

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