Exclusive – Dave Whelan: Wigan players are up for relegation fight

Wigan Athletic chairman Dave Whelan has insisted his players are ready to fight for their Premier League survival, despite their FA Cup distractions.

The Latics produced a stunning performance against Everton at Goodison Park to complete a 3-0 victory, sending them into the semi-finals of the famous competition.

But, with Aston Villa and Queens Park Rangers registering league wins, Wigan now find themselves in the relegation zone.

And Whelan reckons his players will remain focussed on their battle for survival.

He told the Weekend Sports Breakfast: “We’ve been there before, we’ve fought our way out and we intend to do that again. We’ve got to concentrate on that.

“It’s some fight down there this season. I think there are six or seven clubs involved in it but we’ve done it before and the lads are up for it.

“Fingers crossed we’ll get to Wembley in the FA Cup final and stay up.”