PROMOTION-CHASERS Wigan Athletic could have one foot in Division One if they beat rivals Crewe at Gresty Road.

A win will extend Wigan's lead at the top to 12 points and further strengthen healthy promotion credentials.

Boss Paul Jewell however is not looking beyond tonight (Tuesday) and has saluted the squad for being equally focused.

'No big heads'

Jewell said: 'We have no big-heads at this club and there's certainly no place for complacency going into the Crewe game.

'Dario Gradi's teams have bags of movement ' they work hard and we know what to expect.'

The intense depth of Jewell's focus is gauged by his reluctance to speculate on Wigan's long-term prospects.

He flatly refused to be drawn on the level of financial outlay that would be needed to make Wigan a competitive force in Division One.

Jewell prefers instead to enthuse at Wigan's vastly improved onfield discipline and the fact that they have used the least number of players in the entire division.

Kennedy out

rish international Peter Kennedy again misses out with chickenpox and young defender Leighton Baines is nursing a foot injury.

Fringe players such as the experienced Ian Breckin have been told to be on their toes in readiness for a call-up as the promotion race enters the final furlong.

Jewell has bitter sweet memories of Gresty Road. He kicked off his managerial career there and was told by Bradford bosses he could have the job providing the team didn't lose 5-0.

They trailed 4-0 at the break, lost by five, but Jewell survived and has lived to tell the tale.

Key Opponent: Rob Hulse - one of the division's best forwards.

Last season: Different divisions.

Prediction: Crewe 1 Wian Athletic 1

Will Wigan beat their closest rival? Have your say.

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