Wigan Athletic attacker Maleace Asamoah “determined” to get more minutes after playing Premier League Fulham

Despite the defeat, he said: “I enjoyed it. Not everyone gets the opportunity to play a Premier League side - regardless of the score. It was a good experience for me.

“I feel like I grew into the game. I think as the game went on, I feel like everyone grew into the game and had a good go of it.

“I was working hard in training and the opportunity fell on me and I was just ready to take it.”

On how his friends and his family reacted to Shaun Maloney selecting him for the team, he said: “They wished me good luck and I hope I made them proud.

“I’m enjoying every single moment, especially with the coaching staff and players. Everyone is friendly and welcomed me really well. It’s a good challenge - different from where I was before.”

Asamoah Jr joined Wigan from League Two Fleetwood Town in the summer for an undisclosed fee, signing a three-year deal.

On the manager, Maloney, he said: “He’s been pushing me really hard, more defensively and getting in the right positions.

“Obviously, as an attacker, you always want goals and you want assists, but I feel like being a good team player and helping out the team, especially going backwards as well is a big part.

“I’m determined. I’m trying to get as many games as possible and next season, we’ll fight for play-offs and promotion.”

On playing Stockport, he added: “I think derbies are important because the battles are not the same as any other league game, so the win feels more like a reward.”