GARY Megson believes that Wigan could follow the example of his West Brom team and make it all the way to the Premiership.

The man who guided the Baggies into the Premiership senses ambitious Wigan Athletic could soon be heading in the same direction.

The ex-Stockport County boss was quick to heap glowing praise on Wigan following their 3-1 Worthington Cup win over his Baggies side in midweek.

Megson said: "Wigan are Second Divison in name only - they have a lot going for them.

"They will definitely not be out of place at a higher level.

Play the right way

"The ambition of the club is there for all to see - the facilities are excellent and they have some very good players.

"Wigan also play good football, and you can see they are on the up."

Megson saw Jason Jarrett - one of manager Paul Jewell's close-season signings - excel against his Albion line up.

Jarrett, a pacey midfielder, joined Wigan from Bury. Megson nurtured Jarrett's talent when he was a young player at Blackpool.

Jarrett is still finding his feet at Wigan, but has already done enough to suggest he will be an integral part of promotion plans.

Megson added: "Jason is a talented lad - he had a fine game against us and is just one of several good players in what is a useful Wigan squad.

Promotion credentials

"Wigan certainly look a team at the top of the table and they have clear promotion credentials."

The club's record signing, Nathan "Duke" Ellington, hat-trick hero against Megson's Albion, believes Wigan are starting to gell as a unit.

He said: "We were winning matches at the start of the season but we knew we were not playing to full potential.

"We are now starting to pass the ball about - the football is good but we still have a very long way to go."