Wigan Athletic star desperate to make up for lost time - watch out Stockport County!

The 27-year-old made his first appearance of the season in midweek, coming on during the second-half of the 3-0 victory over Peterborough.

After pulling a calf muscle a week before the big kick-off at the beginning of August, Smith has worked his way back to full fitness.

And he admits he has a point to prove.

"It was obviously frustrating to do all pre-season, and work as hard as I did all summer, and then get that setback, it wasn't easy," he said.

"I damaged a calf in the Tranmere game, but I have to say a big thanks to all the medical staff, they're the best in the league, and they've got me back.

"The gaffer signed a few wingers in the summer and that means it will be a real fight if you want to stay in the team.

"When everyone's fully fit, there'll be six of us fighting for two spots, which means you can't afford to drop your levels. But it's really good for the team, with everyone wanting to show the gaffer why they should be playing on a Saturday."

The trip to Edgeley Park is Latics' final league game before the second international break of the campaign.

With two wins and three draws - and five clean sheets - since the last international break, Latics are hoping to round off a successful block of games with another positive result.

"It feels like since the last international break, the lads have really turned a corner," acknowledged Smith.

"Five clean sheets speaks for itself, and hopefully three goals in midweek is something we can build on.

"The defence have got most of the plaudits, but the whole team has been working so hard.

"As a winger, I've seen how much our wingers have been putting in to contribute at the back, and they've done their bit with the clean sheets."

Latics, however, won't have it all their own way against Dave Challinor's County, who sit fifth in the table after winning League Two last term.

"I played for the manager (during a loan spell at AFC Fylde), so I know what he's about," added Smith. "They're flying at the moment, they'll be well up for it, and we're expecting a tough challenge.

"We're on a good run though, on the back of a good win, and we'll be going there to win the game."