Wigan Athletic new-boy 'will score goals' - 'A great example'

The much-travelled 34-year-old striker - who spent most of the summer training with Latics - made his debut off the bench at Sheffield Wednesday after agreeing a short-term deal.

Hogan almost scored a stoppage-time winner, only to be denied by a good save, and the Latics boss believes he will prove to be a shrewd signing.

"I was joking with the players before he signed, this has been the longest trial period in football history," said Caldwell. "I think he's just been enjoying having his breakfast and lunch with us, to be honest!

"But he's trained extremely well every day, and he's a great example to the younger players here, considering the career he's had, and the levels he's reached.

"That's all down to the hard work he's put in, and the consistency he's achieved in training and matches.

"I'm delighted we were delighted to get him on board, and it was a late one to get it done before the game.

"I said to Will (Catterall), our secretary, if he scores, I'll be straight up into the stand to celebrate, and I thought it was written in the stars that he was going to do that.

"He's probably lacking that little bit of match sharpness, he's only played a couple of in-house games for us, but he does give us that experience and know how.

"You see when the ball goes up to him, how he uses his body, and I think the other forwards can learn so much from him.

"I think he'll score goals for us. He's already shown in training the level of quality he has in and around the box.

"The way we play, and the balls we get into that area, like we've done in practically every game this season, I'm pretty sure Scott Hogan will put them away.

"It's more competition for the front players, and that's what we need.”

Caldwell also admitted his delight at seeing young forward Adam Moseley score on his debut for non-league Southport after joining on a 28-day loan.

"Yeah brilliant, that's why we sent him there, to score goals and to win games," he said. "They've had an indifferent start, so for him to score on his debut and them to win the game, that's fantastic.

"He's someone who's been with us all pre-season and he's trained very well. He had a little niggle with hi ankle midway through, but he shoed quality whenever he trained with us, and we thought he needed games.

"He's at a level I know he can score a lot of goals, and hopefully he'll come back here ready to put his name forward here, or go back out on loan at a higher level."

Meanwhile, Ronan Darcy's departure won't directly lead to a new player joining the club.

The saving on wages had already been factored into the budget, which led to Brad Burrowes' loan arrival from Aston Villa on deadline day.

"We knew it was happening, which allowed us to get Brad in," revealed Caldwell. "It was done before the deadline, to allow us to bring in another, so that doesn't open up anything new."