Paper Talk: Same again for Jewell

Last updated : 10 September 2004 By Wigan Evening Post.
The 12-day international break has given time for a handful of minor injuries to clear up ahead of Saturday's big trip to Wolves.

Only Jason Jarrett remains on the casualty list with a broken leg.

Jewell has used the break from action to get some work done on the training ground as well as allowing the players time to put their feet up.

The squad spent most of last week keeping sharp at Christopher Park before given last weekend off. They were back at work on Monday, preparing for the visit to Molineux where Latics will be hoping to extend their unbeaten league run to seven games.

Leighton Baines was due to join them in training today after his time in Austria and Poland with the England Under-21 squad.

Providing the left-back came through unscathed, the same side which has taken the field for all six Championship games to date should line-up against Wolves.
Jewell said: "We've tried to use the international break to our advantage.

"There have been some tough work outs on the training pitch because we're always striving to get better and aren't getting carried away by our start to the season. The lads have also had a couple of days off to rest and let the usual bumps and bruises clear up.

"So we've got a near fully fit squad to select from, and while it's not the biggest out of choice, there's plenty of quality in there.

"It's great to be back playing this weekend and this is another massive game for us."

Some of the squad got a run out in the reserves on Tuesday against Stoke, David Graham again impressing with both of their goals in a 2-0 win.

Meanwhile, fears are receding that Jewell could be poached away from Latics by Blackburn.

Although he remains a possibility, Wales boss Mark Hughes is firmly at the top of Rovers' wish list.

Sources at Blackburn also believe there are other names ahead of Jewell's in the queue.

If an approach was to come, Latics would fight tooth and nail to to hang on to their manager who is under contract until the end of next season.

Jewell has already stated that he is very happy at the JJB Stadium and would be reluctant to leave, despite a desire to manage in the Premiership.

* Supporters intending to travel to Wolves on Saturday are reminded that they must have a ticket.

Latics have currently sold around 1,300 of their 3,000 allocation.

Tickets are also on sale for the game at Derby on September 25, and while it isn't an all-ticket affair, admission is £2 extra on the turnstiles.