Wigan Athletic Football Club News

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

• Ground:JJB Stadium
• Capacity:25,000

Midfield role for Scharner

26 Jun 2007 - 14:31:53

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Wigan Athletic boss Chris Hutchings has backed Paul Scharner to shine in his new midfield role next season.

The 27-year-old Austria international joined the Latics as a central defender, but moved forward after recovering from injury last term to impress in the midfield engine room.

Hutchings told the Manchester Evening News: "I see Scharner in a midfield role going box-to-box and scoring a few goals because he has a very good engine.

"It's a luxury to know we can also play him at centre-back, but I want him in midfield driving on.

"He's one of those players who likes to be involved as much as possible either in the opposition box causing problems or battling back in ours.

"We certainly missed him a great deal when he was out injured for almost four months. Above anything else we missed his energy and his athleticism."

Meanwhile, Frank Barlow is expected to be named as the new number two to Hutchings at the JJB Stadium.

Barlow has previously had spells in charge of Chesterfield and Scunthorpe United.