Paul Scharner has dismissed suggestions that Wigan could be relegated from the Premier League.
Austrian looking to finish in top half
Paul Scharner has dismissed suggestions that Wigan could be relegated from the Premier League.
The Latics only just survived last season and were installed as one of the favourites for the drop after the departure of manager Paul Jewell.
But, after an opening day defeat against Everton, Wigan got their Premier League campaign off and running with a 1-0 victory over Middlesbrough on Wednesday.
And Scharner commented: "It's always a good situation when people talk about Wigan going down.
"It makes the team closer and with the players we've signed I don't think we'll be anywhere near the relegation zone.
"The new signings know what potential we have and we're looking at the top half of the table.
"We did really well in pre-season after Chris Hutchings took over and we're trying to play good football."
Impressed
Antoine Sibierski, Titus Bramble, Jason Koumas and Mario Melchiot have all played significant roles so far and Scharner has been pleased with Chris Hutchings' summer recruits.
"Sibierski has got two goals in his first two games but all the new signings have impressed," said the Austrian.
"Koumas is really difficult to mark and is always looking for that shooting opportunity.
"In midfield it's a joy to play with the likes of Sibierski and Emile Heskey because you play the ball into their feet and you get it back.
"We played a lot of good football against Middlesbrough and, with these players, we're trying to finish as high as we can."
