Gary Caldwell is aiming to push on after making his return for Wigan in the Carling Cup win over Swansea.
Wigan captain delighted to be back from hip operation
Wigan skipper Gary Caldwell is aiming to push on after making his return for the Latics in the Carling Cup victory over Swansea.
The 28-year-old, who joined from Celtic in January, had not featured for Roberto Martinez's side since a hip operation in the summer.
But the defender helped the Latics beat the Swans to make the quarter-finals of the competition on Tuesday and he now wants to make up for lost time.
Caldwell, who has previously played in Scotland's defeat to the Czech Republic this term, told the club's
official website: "It's great to be back.
"After being out for such a long time you miss playing football and to be back in first team action against Swansea felt fantastic.
"I was handed the captain's armband in the summer and it was a long time waiting before I could lead the team out for the first time, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
"Both hips have come through it well, and apart from a little fatigue I feel great. I've just got to take it from here, continue getting up to full speed and earn a place in the team.
"I've worked really hard since being out and I always knew it was going to be the manager's decision when I came back, and likewise on Saturday it's up to him who makes the starting line-up at Fulham.
Understanding
"I've not really trained too much with Antolin (Alcaraz) to be honest. He's been playing regular football alongside Steve Gohouri and my brother so to get an understanding between us in our first game together is something that will get stronger as time goes by.
"To make seven changes in any game and come away with a win shows the strength in depth we have at the club now.
"That competition means everyone is working harder than ever which is a great position to be in."
The skipper praised Swansea for the test they provided and is now hoping the Latics can push on in the competition.
He said: "Swansea were excellent and you can see the gaffer had a big influence on them from his time there.
"They caused us a few problems and we had to be strong during that first-half especially.
"We made a few tactical changes at the break and went on to press them more in the middle of the park.
"Before the game we knew it was a fantastic opportunity for us and we'll look forward now to seeing our name in the hat for the next round, hopefully we can get another home draw because when you get to the latter stages of these competitions you never know what can happen.
Win it
"It's a cup competition and, as with any game or challenge, you go into it wanting to win it.
"Fair enough we made a few changes from the Bolton game but it was still a strong side capable of winning and we'll go into the quarter finals with exactly the same attitude."
Mauro Boselli bagged his first Wigan goal in the game and Caldwell believes the Argentine forward will also push on from the experience.
"It was great for Mauro too to get his first goal, after which we settled down a lot I felt," he said.
"He worked his socks off once again for the team and the goal will do a massive amount for him.
"It's difficult to settle in a new country but he's a great lad about the training ground, he wants to do well for the club and you could the joy on his face when he scored and how happy everyone was for him.
"Hopefully now that will kick him on to bigger and better things for us."
