Wigan Athletic star emerges from 'horrible two years'

The 30-year-old midfielder scored his first goal in his 15th appearance for the club as form team Accrington were put to the sword in a seven-goal thriller on Saturday.

Prior to joining Latics in September on a short-term deal, Gardner hadn't played for 22 months after injury ruined his time at Oldham.

But having previously worked with Leam Richardson at Chesterfield, Gardner has repaid the faith shown in him by recovering his match fitness - and his best form.

“It’s a great moment for me after such a bad injury," he acknowledged. “I’m just feeling like I’m getting back to my usual self at the minute.

“It’s been a horrible two years, so to come and have a chance and play for Wigan...I'm just happy to be back playing and playing at such a great club and giving it my all.

“These Saturday/Tuesday games are taking a bit of a toll on my body but I’m happy to do it."

Gardner almost ripped the net from the woodwork when he put Latics 2-0 up with a vicious volley at the DW.

And it turned out to be valuable as the visitors fought back in the second half to set up a grandstand finish.

"It was good to score my first goal for Wigan," he enthused. "But the main thing was to get the three points.

"It was a bit of a hard slog but we got there in the end.

"As long as we get the three points, or a positive performance and result, then I’m happy to do that.

"Leam has instilled into us to work hard as we can’t affect what’s going on with the club.

"So the main thing is to work hard and to try and get positive results."

Gardner is also relishing his role as a mentor for the youngsters in the side who have been fast-tracked from the Academy during a difficult time for the club.

“There are a lot of young lads so, with the senior lads like myself, Kal Naismith, Lee Evans and Jamie Jones, we’re just trying to help the young lads," Gardner recognised.

“And it’s so good to see some of the young lads play like Chris Merrie who works his socks off, and Kyle Joseph is another one with a great attitude.

"You don’t see much of that in the game and, with their attitudes, they will have great careers in the game.

"If they keep doing what they’re doing then they will be all right.”

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