Wigan Athletic Football Club News

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

• Ground:JJB Stadium
• Capacity:25,000

Bruce moves Scharner back

20 Dec 2007 - 11:36:56

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Wigan Athletic boss Steve Bruce has decided to play Austria international Paul Scharner in a central defensive role rather than his more usual midfield berth.

The 27-year-old started out as a centre-back and Bruce believes that he can be of best use to the Latics in the back four, rather than in a more advanced role.

He told the Evening Post: "I tried to take Scharner to Birmingham as a centre-back two years ago.

"I watched him play for Austria against Northern Ireland and England when he played centre-back and also saw him play for Brann Bergen there.

"Scharner has been used here mainly as a central midfielder, but I have decided to revert him to type, for me defence is his position.

"I can totally understand why he has been played in midfield as he can get into the box and has goals in him.

"But we had a chat before the Blackburn game and he doesn't have a problem at all in playing as a centre-back.

"I have told all the lads here that we will do it my way, simple as that. They either do it my way or they won't play."