IF veteran Wigan Athletic star Matt Jackson ever thought of returning to rugby union he would be a certainty for one team - the Baa-baas.

The Jackson family have always loved the country and have their own pet sheep Baaabara, who was delivered by Jacko's wife, Julie.

"The local shepherd was a mate of mine when we lived in Norfolk during my time at Norwich City," Jackson said, "and Baaabara was delivered by Julie.

"It was a bit tough at first. We had to bottle feed her four times a day.

"When you do that, the sheep grows up just like a dog. It used to run around the garden with the kids.

"But, obviously, we couldn't have it as a house pet, yet it was great fun for the first two years before turning into a cranky old woman."

Picturesque

Baaabara has become great mates with the family's pony, Sweet Briar, in the picturesque village of Mawdesley, on the outskirts of Chorley.

Matt added: "You probably wouldn't believe it but the sheep and the horse have become great mates. Take one away from the other and you'll find that one of them is pining."

Matt and his wife are heavily involved in the Backhouse Horse Welfare, a charity run by friends in the village.

"With my wife and the family having a genuine interest in horses, our pony is stabled there and it is always something that we've been closely involved in," Jackson added.

"I've always supported local charities in and around Wigan but this one in particular has grown to be a big part of my life away from football.

"The charity was initially established around the rehabilitation and welfare of horses who had problems or had been mistreated. But, on the back of this, the centre has developed into a facility that enables the disabled to have the chance to ride in a safe environment.

"All the family are down at the stables regularly helping out or supporting fundraising events. It's a far cry from football but this is why it's such a great release.

Enjoyment

"It's also an ideal form of relaxation but the main enjoyment I derive from this kind of involvement is for the children.

"My son Alex, who is almost 13, and my daughter Erin have been able to spend so much time down there over the years and, in return, it has given them so much pleasure.

"It's the sort of experience they will hopefully keep forever."

As a schoolboy, Jackson played rugby union but progressed into soccer, enjoying time at Luton, Everton, where he was an FA Cup winner, and Norwich before joining Wigan.

He's highly popular with the fans, respected by his team-mates and Wigan manager Paul Jewell is convinced he has what it takes to eventually become a successful coach.

But, right now, 34-year-old Jackson is delighted to still be playing Premiership football, adding: "Having worked so hard to get to this level again, I have never seriously harboured thoughts of ever leaving, despite not knowing how much I would be playing.

"As it turned out, I was heavily involved last season, making 23 appearances, while leading the team out at Chelsea and Manchester United was special."

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