Wigan Athletic's newest hero won't get carried away, insists Leam Richardson

Leam Richardson insisted hat-trick hero Kyle Joseph's feet will remain firmly on the ground after the Scotland Under-19 star ensured Wigan Athletic finished a horrible year with something to smile about.
Kyle Joseph after completing his hat-trickKyle Joseph after completing his hat-trick
Kyle Joseph after completing his hat-trick

Three times Latics fell behind at rock-bottom Burton, and three times Joseph got them back on level terms - before Will Keane's late header decided a seven-goal thriller at the Pirelli Stadium.

And acting manager Richardson believes Joseph's grounding - he was pictured sweeping out the away dressing room after the game- will ensure he never gets too big for his boots.

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"The harder you work, the luckier you get, and it's no coincidence he's come away with a hat-trick," enthused Richardson.

"I think the first one may have come off his knee, but if you're getting into good areas, that can happen.

"The second and third goals were absolutely fantastic finishes, and he's got his just reward for the hard work he puts in.

"He's such a great lad, and the lads themselves will keep him grounded, myself included.

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"The kid's still young, he's still a work in progress, he's not the finished article by any stretch of the imagination.

"But he'll obviously take most of the headlines, and we'll let him enjoy this for sure."

Richardson was also delighted with strike partner Keane, whose fifth goal in his last nine outings moved Latics up to within goal difference of the safety mark in League One.

"We know Will's qualities, everyone does," acknowledged Richardson.

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"The thing that'll be obviously labelled at Will is his game-time.

"But we sat down with him a while ago and tried to manage his schedule, to get him more minutes on the pitch.

"And touch wood we'll hopefully be able to keep him out there for as long as possible."

The one downside of the night was the three goals Latics conceded, which were all in the 'avoidable' category.

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"The goals we conceded were a tad disappointing, and the lads know that," added Richardson.

"Before the game we half knew what to expect, but we still made the game a lot harder than it should have been.

"But at the same time great credit to Burton, they didn't leave a breath out there either.

."Did there deserve to be a winner? I'm not sure...but I'm glad it was us."