Wigan Athletic striker 'would have been Euro star'

The big striker took time to settle in to life at the DW following his arrival from Barnsley last summer, opening his account at the 13th time of asking.

But five goals in nine matches before football was suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic underlined Moore’s quality – which Cook was looking forward to seeing on the world stage.

“Unfortunately, Kieffer was probably in the best form of his season when the football stopped,” said the Latics boss.

“That coincided with the team finding their best form of the season, and picking up some strong wins and climbing out of the bottom three.

“As far as Wigan were concerned, his start to the season was certainly not as strong as his finish, but it does take time for all new players to find their feet at a new club.

“Unfortunately, time’s not something that footballers –and managers – get any more.

“Kieffer had already staked his claim to be the Wales No.9 at the Euros, I think that was very much a given at the time.

“He was very much looking forward to the Euros, and I think he would have played a big role for them in the finals."

Moore has scored a couple of memorable goals this term, with backheel flicks at Cardiff and Reading.

And his manager insists he's a far better player than some might realise.

“He’s not your stereotypical target man," Cook told talkSPORT. "He’s got a lot of other qualities as well, in terms of athleticism and his touch.

“He doesn’t want to be seen as a back-post striker, who’s there to knock the ball down.

“He wants to play his part in the lead-up as well, and he’s proved he’s more than able to do that."