Source: Team_Talk
Gohouri looking to impress
Wigan's forgotten man Steve Gohouri is determined to make up for lost time to keep his World Cup dream alive.[LNB] The Ivory Coast defender has endured almost three months of frustration since joining the Latics on a short-term deal in January.[LNB]The 29-year-old has been hampered by two separate back injuries and did not make his league debut until appearing as a late substitute in Monday's Barclays Premier League defeat at Manchester City.[LNB]He now hopes to win a regular place and could get an opportunity at Fulham tomorrow as Gary Caldwell begins a three-match suspension.[LNB]With just six games of the season remaining, Gohouri realises time is running out to impress the two managers that could reshape his life this summer - Roberto Martinez and Sven-Goran Eriksson - but will not give up trying.[LNB]Gohouri is only with Martinez's Wigan until June after being released by Borussia Monchengladbach, while new Ivory Coast coach Eriksson holds the key to an international recall after African Nations Cup omission.[LNB]Gohouri said: "I haven't played as much as I would have liked over the past six months but I have the chance at Wigan to play some football and we will see what happens.[LNB]"My first target is to play as many games as I can for Wigan, but my ambition after that is to play for my country at the World Cup.[LNB]"That would be a real dream for me - for sure. Every footballer wants to play at the World Cup and I am no different.[LNB]"Coming to Wigan is a big step for me. I always wanted to come to play in the Premier League, and I am grateful to Wigan for giving me this chance.[LNB]"I played 10 minutes on Monday and it was great to play against a big team like Manchester City in a great stadium.[LNB]"I am working hard in training to show the gaffer I am here.[LNB]"After that, the decision is down to him, we will see."[LNB]Yet while Gohouri is looking for stability in his football career, he knows how to keep things in perspective.[LNB]He was was speaking at Derian House children's hospice near Chorley as part of the Barclays Premier League Places for Players initiative.[LNB]Derian House have received £20,000 as Wigan's chosen charity for the season and Gohouri and team-mate James McCarthy were shown around the hospice, which is currently being extended, and met some of the children this week.[LNB]"Football is our job but there are far more important things in life," said Gohouri. "Charity and children are so much more important."[LNB]Gohouri may not have had chance to impress on the pitch but he has at least caught Martinez's eye in training.[LNB]The Spaniard feels he could have a key part to play as Wigan look to pull themselves away from relegation trouble.[LNB]"He is a great character, has a great attitude, great experience, great communication skills and he stepped in really well," said Martinez.[LNB]"Being an international player he also has the know-how of playing in big games, and that will be invaluable for us now.[LNB]"He is trying to get into the Ivory Coast World Cup squad for this summer, and we'll sit down at the end of the season and assess the situation."[LNB]If Gohouri could do enough earn a new deal, the chances are former England boss Eriksson will also have seen him play.[LNB]The Swede is a familiar face at English football grounds and with a number of his players based in the Premier League, he is likely to be spotted often in the coming weeks.[LNB]"I think Sven is a very good coach and it's a good thing for the Ivory Coast to have someone like him in charge," said Gohouri.[LNB]Wigan welcome back goalkeeper Chris Kirkland for their trip to Craven Cottage after a virus but midfielder Hendry Thomas is doubtful with a quad injury.
