Wigan Athletic Football Club News

• Nickname:Latics
• Founded:1932
• Manager:Roberto Martinez

• Ground:JJB Stadium
• Capacity:25,000

Ball could earn Latics chance

10 Dec 2009 - 13:23:59

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Wigan Athletic boss Roberto Martinez has hinted that Michael Ball could be handed a permanent contract with the Latics.

The 30-year-old former Manchester City, Everton and Rangers full-back has been training with the Latics in recent weeks in an attempt to regain fitness following knee surgery in January.

Ball left City following the end of his contract in July but could be about to be handed a short-term contract at the DW Stadium.

"Michael has been working with us for a long time," said Martinez. "He's had a lot of problems with his injury, but he is recovering, trying to get match fitness and now he is looking sharp, looking ready.

"He's got great experience, he's a great influence and it's great to have him around, but at the moment he is simply regaining his fitness.

"We're just enjoying having a very experienced player around with great standards who is good for our daily work."

Meanwhile, Martinez has admitted that goalkeeper Chris Kirkland remains a major doubt for Saturday's clash with Stoke City after injuring his back in last weekend's defeat to Birmingham City.