Paper Talk: Baines can reach top with England

Jackson: Tipping Baines for the top

The 19-year-old made history when he became the first Latics player to be capped for England when he made his debut for the Under-21s in their 2-0 win in Austria on Friday night.

Jackson said: "Leighton is good enough to make it at Under-21s level and progress on the international scene. He has come on a million miles since he moved up from the youth academy at the club.

"He has made the left-back position his own and when you consider he kept Steve McMillan out of the side when he was fit, that is no small achievement for a teenager.

"There is a shortage of left-footers in the country at the moment, so I see no reason why he cannot step up from the Under-21s into the senior side in the future. Obviously that is a while off yet, the kid has done wonderfully to get where he is but you feel there is more to come from him."

Baines completed the full 90 minutes in the Sepp Doll Stadion, Krems, when goals from Aston Villa's Carlton Cole and Ipswich Town striker Darren Bent earned Peter Taylor's youngsters victory in their opening European Under-21s Championship qualifier.

Baines is expected to retain his place for tomorrow night's match against Poland in Rybnik. If he continues to impress he could make another appearance against Wales at Ewood Park next month.

Baines: England Under 21 International

While Baines is making his mark in the Latics side, boss Paul Jewell has sent midfielder Paul Mitchell out on loan to get first-team footballer. The 23-year-old has joined Coca-Cola League One promotion chasers Swindon Town on a one-month deal.

The player, who played a major part in club's Division Two title-winning campaign in 2002-2003, made his debut in the Robins' 1-0 win at Colchester on Saturday.

Jewell said: "It is a good chance for Mitch to go and get some first-team football under his belt and he deserves this opportunity. It leaves us a little short but we do still have cover in the midfield with Alan Mahon and David Graham both capable of playing there.

"Jimmy Bullard and Per Frandsen are doing very well for us which means chances have been limited, so it is good that we can get first-team football for some of our players elsewhere."

Latics return to Coca-Cola Championship action with a visit to Wolves on Saturday. Jackson believes that his team-mates travelling to the Black Country on top of the division and as favourites to win shows exactly how far the club have come.

He said: "It is a fantastic stadium and there is sure to be a big crowd there for that one, and for little Wigan to go to a massive club like Wolves as favourites is testament to all we have achieved.

"It takes a lot of hard work to get to where we are and we will not start slacking now. We are all professionals here even when there is a break between matches, we have to keep doing all the right things."