It would be folly to suggest that either Andreas Granqvist or Kristofer Haestad would be at Latics if the rumoured interest from top four clubs had ever materialised.  Equally the cynics will be quick to tell you that they are only here to put themselves in the shop window.  Either way it is refreshing to have players who sound as if they actually want to get on the pitch and do the business for Wigan Athletic.

Both players seemingly enjoyed their debuts and are hoping to keep themselves in the manager’s plans for the Chelsea game this weekend.

The Swede looks more likely to feature, with Paul Jewell keen to give Arjan De Zeeuw’s foot injury time to heal.  The Swede would relish the opportunity.  Telling the official site, “[the Portsmouth game] has given of a taste for more now and I will be doing all I can to keep my place for Chelsea”.

Haestad seems equally keen to get going.  “I would like to feature at Chelsea and will be training hard and focussing all my energies on that in training this week”.  The midfielder’s chances will depend on the fitness of Skoko and also Jewell’s reaction to Denny Landzaat’s comments in the press this week.  As things stand it seems a place on the bench is likely.

Saturday’s result may have left much to be desired, but both players have shown some potential.  Their attitude is spot on and we can only hope that it spreads to the other players.  Jewell may have shown concerns over fitness levels but they seem determined to prove those wrong.

In recent games we’ve been crying out for some pace at the back and some energy in midfield, reports suggest that these two may be the players to bring that.  Overall things seem promising and whilst our loan rangers may not be the answer to all Latics’ problems, the early signs are that they can help us in the right direction.

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