Wigan Athletic boss reveals secret of Callum Lang's success

The vice-captain - returning to the squad after serving a one-match suspension - replaced Thelo Aasgaard in the final quarter with Latics holding a precarious 1-0 lead.

Shortly after his introduction, he curled a brilliant free-kick over the wall to secure back-to-back wins for only the second time this term.

It was the 25-year-old's first goal in the league since September 13 last year, which Maloney hopes will give him a massive boost.

"Langy takes full credit for that, he works very hard on the training ground," said the Latics boss.

"On Monday, after training, he took the mannequins out and spent 15-20 minutes with a bag of balls.

"It's a great message for the other players in our squad, and in our Academy.

"Hard work pays off, and it definitely did for him with that free-kick."

As a free-kick specialist during his own career, Maloney denied he'd had any input into Lang's effort.

"Free-kicks, I always found a very individual thing," he said.

"So each player has to find their own way or their own technique that works for them.

"That comes with practice, and Langy has been putting in the hard yards.

"I was really happy for him, and you could see that etched on his face when it went in, such a relief.

"He's such a good player when he's at his best.

"I know he's been frustrated, with the amount of chances that have come his way, and he hasn't scored.

"I hope now he really kicks on because, when he's at his best, he's such a big player for us."

Lang has also been dealing with the added 'frustration' of missing the weekend trip to Exeter through suspension - for two yellow cards in the controversial recent clash at Stevenage that angered the Latics camp.

"It's been difficult, that was a really difficult moment for him," added Maloney.

"It's really difficult when you get yellow cards that can't be rescinded, and he's missed a game because of that.

"But he's come back from that and we've all seen what he can do."