James McCarthy hailed the team spirit of Wigan after they ensured their last-day survival in the Premier League.
Midfielder delighted after Wigan win to stay up
James McCarthy hailed the team spirit of Wigan after they ensured their last-day survival in the Premier League.
Roberto Martinez's side went into Survival Sunday sitting second from bottom in the top flight and one of five teams still in relegation trouble.
But Wigan won their game at Stoke thanks to Hugo Rodallega's 78th minute header and results elsewhere ensured their safety.
McCarthy told
Sky Sports News: "It was different class, to be honest. We couldn't believe it.
"We always had a good team spirit and we always believed in ourselves and we went and did the business and that's all that could be asked for.
"It was a bit nervy but we always believed in ourselves - we've got a good team spirit and I thought we were a different class."
Celebrations
Four out of the five relegation-threatened teams were in the drop zone at some point during the afternoon but McCarthy said he did not know anything of the goals in the other games.
He added: "I didn't really know anything to be honest, I didn't even ask at half-time - we just focused on our game and then I heard a cheer go up in the Wigan end so I thought maybe that was a good sign but we just had to take care of ourselves and hopefully something went right for us in the other games and we are delighted."
As regards the celebrations at the final whistle, he added: "It was brilliant, we looked over straight away and everyone on the bench was running at us so it was different class and we knew we had stayed up then and what a feeling it was.
"To be honest, we were absolutely buzzing and we'll have a good night tonight."
McCarthy hopes Wigan can secure their safety much sooner next season.
"I think the gaffer will bring in a couple and strengthen and I'm sure we'll get going next season," he said.
