Wigan Athletic chief grateful for double boost

That’s the view of acting manager Leam Richardson, who says the senior figures can be worth their weight in gold in guiding the patched up Latics side through Christmas and into the January transfer window.

“Lads like Lee and Kal don’t realise how important they are to the side,” said Richardson.

“Kal came back at Lincoln last week, Lee did it at Sunderland at the weekend...they come back and they have this calmness about them.

“No-one has been more frustrated by them that they’ve not been able to get out there and help the lads in recent weeks. They both love football, they love training, they love playing.

“It’s not just their ability as players, it’s the character they add to the dressing room with so many young lads in there.

“They’ve been part of all the change – part of that continuity – and they’re still here digging in, which is credit to them.”

Evans’ return at Sunderland after eight games out saw Latics win for the first time in 14 matches stretching back to October 3.

“He covered every blade of grass on his first game back,” enthused Richardson.

“He’s very lively about the place through the week as we all know, and I have to credit his effort and professionalism.”

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