Wigan Athletic star 'best in League One' - John Sheridan

And he's called on the Wales international to hammer home that point - on a weekly basis.

Evans, 26, is one of the few senior players to remain at the DW following the upheaval of the summer.

And just as new skipper Joe Garner has taken the bull by the horns by scoring five goals in his first six matches, Sheridan wants Evans to underline his Championship quality in the engine room.

"I'd like Lee Evans on the ball a lot more than what he's showing," said the Latics boss.

"I'd like him to be the conductor, but it's very easy for me to just say that.

"I've only been here for a few weeks, but I have spoken to Lee, and I think he'd agree with me.

"I've told him he needs to be scoring goals, creating goals and, with his experience, running games a bit more than what he has been doing.

"For me, and this is just me talking, he's probably the best midfield player in this league.

"But that's just talk, and at the end of the day you've got to show it week in, week out.

"Yes he's got the ability to be the best player in his position, but you've got to know your job and be disciplined in the way you go about it."

Evans will have a special point to prove this weekend, as he goes head to head with compatriot Jonny Williams - who scored Wales' only goal in their midweek victory in Bulgaria.

Newport-born Evans still has aspirations of a recall to the national fold, and Sheridan may well be the perfect manager to help him achieve that.

"Lee plays in a similar position to what I used to, and I do try and give him little bits of information," acknowledged Sheridan, who played for Leeds United and Sheffield Wednesday, as well as representing the Republic of Ireland in two World Cups and one European Championship.

"I wouldn't say I'm at him, but it's what I feel he should be doing, trying to help him, and trying to improve his game.

"And it's something I'd do with any midfielder, because it's a difficult place to play, in the middle of the park.

"He's got all the attributes, but it's that little bit of discipline in his game as well.

"On paper, I do believe he is the best all-round midfielder in this league.

"But the performances have to reflect that, and being a team player, and leading the team out there on the pitch."

Sheridan also hopes the arrival of centre-back Curtis Tilt from Rotherham until January will allow Kal Naismith to have more of an effect further up the park.

"I want Kal moving up the pitch, and I know Leam (Richardson) and Naisy do as well," he added.

"The way he goes about his game, the aggression in his game, and how he competes for every ball.

"We all know he's playing out of position, but it is a problem area for us and he's doing great for us."

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