Wigan Athletic boss plots Ashley Fletcher route

That's the message from boss Leam Richardson, who is determined not to rush his new signing into the fold after a limited pre-season programme - and risk setting him back further.

"He's still getting up to speed, but it's not easy," said Richardson on Fletcher, who's signed a season-long loan from Watford.

"The easiest thing would be to throw him out onto the pitch, and possibly end up losing him for a long time...especially when you look at certain histories.

"Nathan Broadhead is the same, neither of them really had a pre-season, Charlie Wyke is another.

"We have to be mindful it's a long season, it's not just about today against Burnley.

"It's a grueling campaign, and when you've been around long enough, you realise you'll need everyone on board for as long as possible."