"Injuries have hit Steve's career, but hopefully all that's behind him now. He can play in the Premier League, I'm certain of that, so I'm just so chuffed he has accepted our offer."
McMillan made his first league start for a year in Wigan's Championship run-in against Cardiff in April, and he kept his place until Latics clinched promotion against Reading at the JJB Stadium last month. McMillan, who joined Latics in a double deal with Lee McCulloch from Motherwell in February 2001, said: "This is an incredibly exciting time for Wigan and myself so I wanted to be part of it.
"Playing in the Premiership is a dream come true and as a professional footballer, that's where you want to be – at the highest level possible.
"Every player wants to play against Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool and Chelsea at home is an incredible start, especially for the fans.
"It is a superb feeling to sign a new deal and I don't think the manager ever doubted my ability to contribute to the squad.
"Next season will be the ultimate test for everybody, and I'm positive that the manager will be able to keep us in the Premier League.
"Obviously, he is going to sign several new players and that is going to mean extra competition throughout the squad, but that's good because we are going to need extra stength in depth. Paul Jewell has an eye for a player, and I'm certain he'll bring the right type of player to Wigan.
"Most of all, though, you want to test yourself against the best and the thought of playing against the champions with John Terry and Frank Lampard is an incredibly exciting prospect."
Meanwhile, Wigan's Premiership clash against Manchester United at Old Trafford – pencilled in for August 24 – has been postponed.
United are in Champions' League qualifying action that week and Wigan were today working with United officials in a bid to find a new date.
Wigan open up against champions Chelsea at the JJB on August 13, before Latics go to Charlton Athletic a week later.
Wigan look to have missed out on Icelandic striker Heidar Helguson after Fulham swooped with a £1.25m offer last night.
Latics had appeared favourites to sign the Watford frontman. But the 27-year-old is expected to go to Craven Cottage to join up again with his former Vicarage Road boss Ray Lewington.
Lewington, who was sacked by the Hornets in March, is now on Chris Coleman's coaching staff and his presence seems to have swung Fulham's way.
Wigan were among three Premiership clubs chasing Helguson – Sunderland and Fulham were the others.
But the opportunity to stay in London and work with his old manager appears to have scuppered a move north.
Helguson scored 55 goals in 132 league starts for Watford. He cost £1.5m from Lillestrom in January 2001.
* Aston Villa goalkeeper Stefan Postma is poised to quit the club for Spain after recent revelations about his private life.
Postma had expressed his desire to leave Villa anyway due to his lack of first-team football, and was in line for a move to Championship side Ipswich.
But the 29-year-old Dutchman now fears ridicule after a former girlfriend made claims about their sex life.
"This would not happen in Holland, but in England it is different" said agent Pietr Buter.
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