Wigan manager Roberto Martinez hailed the impact of Victor Moses as his side secured an FA Cup replay against Bolton at the Reebok Stadium.
Moses, 20, showed no ill effects from a shoulder injury that sidelined him for two months. The former Crystal Palace forward's electric pace and movement lit up a drab fourth-round tie that ended goalless.
Martinez said: "Victor had been very frustrated, as has everyone. He is a really talented young man and it's been a real shame not to have him on the pitch the last few weeks. He was a bit tired at the end of the game but he is going to be a major player for us until the end of the campaign."
He added: "He is actually three weeks ahead of schedule. That comes down to his desire and hard work behind the scenes. He has been working with the group for 10 days and was ready for the game but I didn't think he would last as long as he did."
Martinez was pleased to have another crack at Bolton even though they already have a busy fixture list.
"It's very positive for us," he said. " I made eight changes and games like this are good for my young players who need to play in certain conditions. Individually there were two or three very good performances. These players are shouting to stay in the first team and that is very positive."
Bolton manager Owen Coyle was left frustrated as his side failed to bounce back after the heavy defeat by Chelsea on Monday. Former Middlesbrough defender David Wheater could have secured a victory near the end but scuffed his shot wide of the post.
Nevertheless Coyle was pleased with the way Wheater had performed and said: "It was a terrific debut. He looked very accomplished and was very dominant in the air but we all know that."
Bolton strikers Kevin Davies and Johan Elmander are going through a barren patch and got some advice from Coyle a former striker himself.
He said: "When you're having a spell like this as a striker you have to keep banging on the door and eventually it will fly open. I have no fears that will happen. Both teams had chances and we had two gilt opportunities but Wigan defended for their lives."
Source: PA
