Just when you thought the Wigan bubble had burst, after five successive defeats, Paul Jewell's side bounced back in emphatic fashion at the weekend with a 3-0 win against Charlton to climb back up to sixth place in the Premiership. Givemefootball's Mark Shail caught up with defender Steve McMillan to get an update on the injury he picked up in the recent Carling Cup victory against Newcastle. The 29-year-old Scot had to be substituted against the Magpies and has since undergone a minor knee operation but hopes to be back in the early part of January.
Q:WHAT IS THE LATEST ON YOUR INJURY?
A:At half time against Newcastle I told the physio that my knee was feeling a bit sore and he thought I might have slightly damaged my cartilage, so I was taken off as a precaution. Since then I have had a scan and it showed a slight tear in the cartilage so I've had keyhole surgery to tidy up the problem.
Q:HOW DOES IT FEEL NOW?
A:It feels good and the surgeon told me I should be back playing in three to four weeks. I had the operation two weeks ago so I'm looking to make a return in the next ten days or so. I'm back running already and so far everything is going to plan and the knee feels fine.
Q:YOU MUST HAVE BEEN DELIGHTED WITH THAT RESULT AGAINST NEWCASTLE BECAUSE PAUL JEWELL FIELDED A BELOW-STRENGTH SIDE?
A:Yes we played very well and there were a lot of players who hadn't had many games so they were desperate to show what they can do. In the end I thought we fully deserved the win and tonight we face another tough game against Bolton, although we did manage to beat them earlier in the season.
Q:WHAT DID YOU MAKE OF LAST WEEKEND'S VICTORY AGAINST CHARLTON?
A:It was a great performance at just the right time. Having lost the previous five games people were starting to question us but we came out and dominated the game from start to finish and I don't think Charlton can have any complaints. But they are a decent side and it's only a matter of time before they start winning again.
Q:HOW ARE YOU ENJOYING WORKING WITH PAUL JEWELL?
A:He is a very honest manager who knows how to get the best out of his players. There are no 'Big Time Charlies' here. We are a bunch of hard-working players who want to do as well as we can. I think every player currently at the club has been signed by the gaffer and he knows what he wants from each and every one of us.
Q:WHAT WILL YOU BE DOING OVER CHRISTMAS?
A:Much of my time will be spent in the gym trying to get back to full fitness. We probably won't have a day off over the Christmas period because we've got so many important games coming up – but as footballers we are used to that by now.
Q:WHO DO YOU COME UP AGAINST AFTER TONIGHT'S BOLTON MATCH?
A:We play Manchester City on Boxing Day and that will be a difficult game because they are flying at the moment – I'm sure it will be a good game. Despite their excellent recent form I think we can do well and get a result.
