Paper Talk: McMillan back in action

Last updated : 02 September 2004 By Wigan Evening Post.
McMillan: Back in action
The Wigan Athletic full-back made it through 78 minutes of yesterday's reserve team defeat at Sheffield Wednesday without any reaction to the groin injury which has seen him miss pre-season and Latics' unbeaten start to the Championship campaign.

Despite youngster Leighton Baines, whose form has earned him a call-up into the England Under-21s squad this week, seemingly making the left-back spot his own, reserve team boss David Lowe believes McMillan could soon be pushing for a first team shirt again.

Lowe said: "Steve made it through 75 minutes at Wednesday which was obviously pleasing.

"He did not show any reaction but we will check him out again later in the week and see how he is doing.

"He did okay for his first game for a while, he was feeling it a little bit towards the end so we took him off mostly as a precaution because obviously we do not want him getting any more injuries.

"I do not think he is a long way off the first team, although obviously he needs a few more games, but this was a good first step for him.

"It is tough for any player on the fringe of the first team because of the quality of the squad at the moment.

"That is why these reserve games are useful because they help these lads get some games under their belts and helps keep their fitness levels up."

The 3-1 defeat was Latics Reserve first of the Pontins League defeat of the season, despite them fielding a strong side including first team fringe players including defenders Emerson Thome and Nicky Eaden and strikers Neil Roberts and David Graham.

Wednesday took an early lead through striker Adam Proudlock before Latics equalised with a second half strike from Graham.

Jon Shaw then hit a double strike for the hosts, including a penalty having been felled by goalkeeper Gary Walsh, to seal the win.

Lowe was also pleased to see ex-Chelsea and Bolton defender Thome complete the full 90 minutes.

The Brazilian has been working hard to get back to fitness that saw him make 30 appearances for the Trotters last season.

Lowe said: "Emerson came through the full 90 minutes and is getting close to full fitness. He has played two games now and is close to reaching maximum fitness.

"He is getting back to the player we all know he is capable of being. We will keep pushing him hard in training and hopefully he is not far away.

"The result was obviously a bit disappointing, but I was just pleased for the lads who are on the fringe of the first team to get games and help their fitness.

"But there were a lot of positives we could take from the game with Steve and Emerson getting through unscatched."