Neil Mellor made the short trip from Liverpool to Wigan last week and immediately made his mark with the Latics' winning goal aginst Middlesbrough. It was no more than he deserved as Neil has endured an awful time with injuries and was playing his first senior match for just over a year. Givemefootball's Lawrie Madden caught up with him after the dramatic injury time winner against Boro.
Q:NOT A BAD START TO YOUR WIGAN CAREER?
A:Yes. It was nerve-wracking because I have not played for a while but to win and score on my debut made it a perfect start for me. After being out for so long, I'm pleased the gaffer (Paul Jewell) took a chance on me and hopefully I can repay him with some goals and some wins.
Q:YOU'VE HAD A DIFFICULT TIME WITH INJURIES - HOW ARE YOU FEELING NOW?
A:The last year has been very frustrating. With this injury, no-one knows the proper prognosis for it, or if the operation is going to be successful. I took my time before coming back, and hopefully I'm coming through the other side and it's all behind me. Luckily, touch wood, I've not felt it for a good month or so, and hopefully that continues.
Q:WILL IT TAKE YOU A WHILE TO SETTLE IN PROPERLY?
A:They are a good bunch of lads here and they have made me feel welcome and that helps you settle in quickly. I was more concerned about my fitness at this level as it has only been my 2nd full 90 minutes in a long time. I was running on adrenaline.
Q:HOW DO YOU VIEW GOING OUT ON LOAN?
A:A I am positive. I went to West Ham before and I had a poor time and it was a bit of a negative time for me but this is a chance to show ma lot of people that they were wrong. I appreciate it would have been difficult to have gone straight into the Liverpool side when they are challenging on the European front, as well as going for the title. But if I can score more goals and impress Paul, and Rafa Benitez, then who knows what will happen
Q:WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD AT ANFIELD?
A:As I said, it is difficult to break into the Liverpool side at the moment. I am 23 years old so I am not young anymore so it is a good opportunity for me to prove that I can play at this level and score goals. The gaffer (Benitez) was good with me when I was out injured, often putting his arm around me because he could see how down I was. But then he's always been good with me. It was him who told me to go and get some experience as I've not played for a year.
Q:HOW DO YOU VIEW THE REST OF THE SEASON?
A:Well, because I haven't played much football in the last 12 months it means that I am not cup tied so I can play in all the competitions. At the moment Wigan are in the semi final against Arsenal, the fourth round of the FA cup and sixth in the table. So there are plenty of chances to play...hopefully.
Q:WHAT DO YOU MAKE OF THE WIGAN SIDE?
A:They are a very hard working group of players and that has been the main thing that has struck me. Their togetherness as a unit. They are a very close group of lads and they are under-estimated in terms of how good they are. But they just get on with the job and if the acclaim comes great but the players know what each other can do and that is what matters.
