WIGAN manager Paul Jewell is ready to take his side into unknown territory.

Jewell has never experienced play-off football as a manager, but Wigan are within touching distance of a First Division play-off place.

He said: "You could argue that a team finishing sixth shouldn't go up but the play-offs have kept football alive and kept the supporters' interests alive.

"I'm all for them. We all knew the rules before the start of the season.

"We have a tough run-in, arguably one of the toughest of the top teams, but we are just delighted to be in this situation with three games to go and we have as good a chance as anyone.

"I remember people saying as the fixtures came out at the start of the season that the last six fixtures were tough - and they hoped we dind't need those points to stay up! We've done a lot better than many people expected."

Success story

Jason Roberts leads the attack against Sunderland tomorrow but will miss Latics' final two games due to suspension following his dismissal at Crystal Palace last week.

Young full-back Leighton Baines is fit to play after picking up a facial injury at Palace.

Jewell is baffled why the talented teenager has been overlooked for England junior honours.

He said: "Leighton has been a big success for us and it's a joke he is not in the England set-up.

"He's been in a top-six side all season. I'm pleased with him - he's been exceptional.

"I know England Under 19 players who come from clubs lower than us. This shows you don't just have to be a good player, you also need to be at a big club.

"The people who run this possibly need to take a long hard look at themselves. It's their job and I'm not ringing them to tell them how to do it."

Jewell's squad includes Andy Liddell, who is linked with Preston and Sheffield United.

LAST SEASON: Different divisions

KEY OPPONENT: Julio Arca - clever midfielder makes Sunderland tick.

PREDICTION: Wigan 1 Sunderland 1

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