Paper Talk: Jewell scents top six spot

Latics go into Sunday's game with West Ham as outsiders for the top six – but that tag isn't worrying the manager.

They need a victory over the Hammers and a result elsewhere to go their way, although Jewell says the only thing he'll be concentrating on is trying to pick up three points.

Jewell - We must play with our hearts

He said: "I think there will be more twists and turns to come, and hopefully we can benefit from that.

"I was very downbeat after last weekend's defeat at Nottingham Forest but I have brushed myself down and got on with things.

"I've thought to myself that there are worse positions in the world to be in, and I think we still have a great chance.

"First of all, we need to win our game on Sunday, it's as simple as that.

"And sometimes you are better off knowing that only a victory will do.

"We can't control other results and all we can do is try and win the game.

"Of course it's disappointing that it is out of our hands because we have been up there all year.

"But in a perverse way, it might well work to our advantage in the end.

"For example, Crystal Palace know that if they go to Coventry and get a draw, they're in the play-offs.

"But it is not always easy that way, and there will be some turn ups on Sunday.

"It will be important we play with our hearts but more so our heads against West Ham.

"We have to win the game but there is no need to go out and win it in the first minute."

Jewell looks likely to be forced into another change up front against the Hammers.

The knee injury picked up by Lee McCulloch at Forest last Saturday has caused enough concern for him to be sent for a scan.

He has been unable to train for the last two days and is rated as doubtful for the weekend.

Liddell looks set to start upfront with top marksman Ellington

Jewell said: "Lee's knee is very sore and we're sending him for a scan to assess the extent of the damage.

"He got a stud right in the muscle and there's a lot of swelling and bruising in there.

"Lee couldn't actually bend his knee on Sunday and Monday and obviously he has not been training."

With Jason Roberts suspended, Jewell will choose between Andy Liddell and Neil Roberts if McCulloch fails to recover in time.

Liddell is likely to get the nod, starting a game as a central striker for the first time since the opening day of the season.

Peterlee referee Roy Pearson will take charge of Sunday's game.

Source: Wigan Evening Post.

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