Experienced full-back Michael Ball could be about to be handed a Premier League lifeline by Wigan.
Latics impressed by one-cap England international
Experienced full-back Michael Ball could be about to be handed a Premier League lifeline by Wigan.
The 30-year-old defender has been without a club since being released by Manchester City over the summer.
He has been struggling with injury for the best part of the last 12 months, undergoing surgery in January in an effort to resolve a niggling knee problem.
The former Everton, Rangers and PSV Eindhoven man is still some way short of regaining full match fitness, having gone so long without regular football, but is delighted to have been offered the opportunity to train with Wigan.
Latics boss Roberto Martinez has been impressed by Ball's attitude during his time at the DW Stadium and has not ruled out the possibility of handing him a permanent contract in January.
"Michael has been working with us for a long time," said Martinez.
Influence
"He's had a lot of problems with his injury, but he is recovering, trying to get match fitness, and now he is looking sharp, looking ready.
"He's got great experience, he's a great influence and it's great to have him around, but at the moment he is simply regaining his fitness.
"We're just enjoying having a very experienced player around with great standards who is good for our daily work."
Martinez has, however, allowed Angola international Francisco Zuela to leave the club after a recent trial spell.
"We had a look at Francisco, and he's been with us for a few days, but there is nothing further on that," said the Spaniard.
