Ellington out to upset mate

Ellington :: Can't wait for the Baggies

The pair played in the Bristol Rovers attack for 18 months with the Duke lodging at Roberts' home during that time.

But their friendship goes out of the window tomorrow night for the cup clash at the JJB Stadium in which they find themselves in opposition.

Ellington told the Evening Post: "Jason and myself played together at Rovers for about a season-and-a-half and I used to stay at his place.

"We built up a good friendship and we've kept in touch since he left Rovers to join West Brom.

"It's nice to see him doing well and I'm looking forward to being on the same pitch again, even though he'll be on the other side.

"I learned a lot from him at Rovers and I suppose our styles are quite similar.

"He's a bit quicker than me because we used to have sprint races and Jason always used to beat me!"

Ellington is expecting a tough test from West Brom, even if the Baggies send a weakened team for the game having been in Premiership action against Blackburn last night.

Rovers ran out 2-0 winners at the Hawthorns.

Ellington :: In action against Barnsley at the weekend

He said: "They have done well since winning promotion, and many people wouldn't have expected them to beat the teams they have done.

"I hope they continue to do well in the Premiership, although not tomorrow when they play us.

"This is a good draw for us and it's always nice to play a team from the top flight because it helps you improve."

There will be a change of strike partner for Ellington against the Baggies, with top scorer Andy Liddell starting a three-match suspension.

Neil Roberts is set to be handed his first start since March, ending a long stretch of games on the substitutes bench.

Ellington admits the absence of seven-goal Liddell is a major loss for Latics, with the pair having formed a promising double-act.

"It is a blow that Andy is out for three games now, because he's got seven goals and I've scored five which is a good return," he said.

"We are going to miss him but there are other good players in the squad who can come in."

Meanwhile, centre half Ian Breckin went into hospital today for a minor operation on his knee.

It is hoped the keyhole surgery will cure the injury which kept the summer signing on the sidelines throughout September.

Manager Paul Jewell said: "Ian has a bit of a problem behind his kneecap although it's not as serious as perhaps we first thought. Hopefully he will only be out of action for another three of four weeks."

Courtesy of Dave Seddon and the Wigan Evening Post.