WIGAN boss Paul Jewell is pulling out the stops to sign a new striker following Geoff Horsfield's £1million move to West Brom.

Jewell is unlikely to land his top target, Manchester City's Darren Huckerby, and may have to settle instead for bringing in Newcastle's Carl Cort on loan.

Wigan's chief scout David Hamilton and coach David Lowe ran the rule over Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing in the Carling Cup win over Tottenham.

Horsfield's departure has been met with mixed reaction from fans ahead of tomorrow's tough game with Crewe.
Wigan chairman Dave Whelan said: "When you get someone who doesn't want to play for you, there's not a lot you can do.

"We don't want players at Wigan who don't want to wear the shirt."

Delay

Jewell delays selection with centre backs Ian Brecken and Matt Jackson ruled out through suspension.

Paul Mitchell, the versatile former Manchester City junior, is expected to deputise and partner skipper Jason de Vos.

It's a rare chance this season for Mitchell to shine. Jewell fully expects him to make the most of the opportunity.

The boss said: "Mitch plays in this position for the reserves. I know he can do a job."

Wigan welcome back Lee McCulloch from suspension. He could come in for Gary Teale. Jewell expects a tough test from a Crewe side whose home form has been good.

Former Leigh RMI player Steve Jones is the big danger. Wigan ran the rule over him when he played at Leigh but Crewe clinched his signature. He has gone on to win international honours with Northern Ireland.

LAST SEASON: Crewe 0 Wigan 1

KEY OPPONENT: Steve Jones in good form.

PREDICTION: Crewe 1 Wigan 1

BETFRED:

Crewe 11/8 Draw 9/4 Wigan 8/5

Correct Score
Wigan To Win
1-0 13/2
2-0 12/1
2-1 10/1
3-0 33/1
3-1 20/1
3-2 28/1

1st/Last Goalscorer In Match
Ellington 5/1
Liddle 7/1
Roberts 7/1
McCulloch 8/1
Bullard 9/1
Dinning 13/1
Kennedy 15/1

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

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

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