Wigan Athletic boss on the need to hurt - and also striking problems

Despite going into the game with high hopes, on the back of successive league victories, Latics were well beaten at the Alexandra Stadium.

In fact, had goalkeeper Jamie Jones not pulled off a string of fine saves, the winning margin would have been even more emphatic than 3-0.

While acknowledging how well his players had done in very trying circumstances this term the Latics boss believes this road block will be an important part of the learning curve.

When asked whether his players would be hurting, Sheridan replied: "I hope so, I hope so.

"They've done well so far under very difficult circumstances.

"And it's hard, because you can't go in there shouting and moaning and groaning at people who are doing their best.

"On that performance, you probably feel you should be, but it's not the time to do that.

"It's all about staying together at the moment, because we've got some good players in this group."

Latics were dealt a blow before kick-off, with top scorer and captain Joe Garner ruled out as a result of concussion protocol following an incident last weekend against Doncaster.

"It was obviously just precautionary because of the bang to the head," said Sheridan.

"You've got to be careful with them, but he'll be back next week."

That meant a debut for Will Keane, barely 24 hours after joining on a short-term contract until January.

The former Manchester United junior had a thankless afternoon ploughing the lone furrow in a beaten side, but Sheridan says he'll be better for the work-out.

"It won't do Will any harm, that," added Sheridan. "We threw him in at the deep end, with Garns being injured, and he'll only get match fit by playing matches.

"You could see little bits of quality from him, and he will be a good addition to the squad.

"He's still rusty, he obviously hadn't played for a while but, with another week's training behind him, he'll be better for it."