WIGAN boss Paul Jewell has given an insight into the spirit within his table-topping squad.

The Latics head Division One by two points ahead of tomorrow's visit to Coventry.

Jewell is delighted at the bonds forming between his players as they chase a place in the Premiership, revealing that post-training table-tennis sessions have played their part.

Star striker Andy Liddle has been nicknamed Forrest Gump - after the eponymous ping-pong playing hero of the Oscar-winning film - with Jewell saying: "They finish a hard training session and they just won't go home!

"I can't get a game with them, they're queuing up to play.

"Lidds is the best from what I'm told and I'm sure they're competing for their own championship.

"The banter just goes to show the great spirit that exists amongst the lads."

Form check

Keeper John Filan echoed the sentiment, saying: "The lads have certainly been bitten by the bug and it's great fun watching them. It is excellent for team spirit."

Jewell's assistant Chris Hutchings and coach David Lowe ran the rule over Coventry in midweek, watching the Sky Blues' Carling Cup defeat to Spurs.

The manager expects a tough test, saying: "Coventry have a lot of quality and combine experience with youth. They had a great win at Reading and have got plenty of goals in them. It's a difficult place to go to."

Jewell selects from a full-strength squad. Steve McMillan and Jason Jarrett returned to training this week from injury, though the manager is unlikely to change his winning line-up.

Nathan Ellington sustained a slight knock in the midweek Carling Cup win over Fulham, but is expected to partner Geoff Horsfield up front.

LAST SEASON: Different divisions.

KEY OPPONENT: Andy Morrell - a striker in top form.

PREDICTION: Coventry 1 Wigan 1

BETFRED:

Coventry 11/8 Draw 11/5 Wigan 13/8

Correct Score
Wigan To Win
1-0 13/2
2-0 12/1
2-1 10/1
3-0 33/1
3-1 22/1
3-2 28/1
4-0 80/1
4-1 50/1

1st/Last Goalscorer In Match
Ellington 5/1
Horsfield 5/1
Liddle 7/1
Roberts 7/1
McCulloch 15/2
Bullard 10/1
Dinning 14/1
Kennedy 14/1
Teale 20/1
Jarrett 25/1
Eaden 33/1
Jackson 40/1

Scorecast:

Ellington & Wigan 2-0 55/1
Horsfield & Wigan 2-0 55/1
Dinning & Wigan 2-1 115/1

Others odds available on request. Prices subject to fluctuation. Ring BETFRED on 0800 73 11 210

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