Wigan defender Kevin McNaughton is closing in on a return to The Latics first team squad.
McNaughton, who signed on a free from Bolton in the summer, has only made three appearances since signing with The Latics. However, the Scotsman is closing in on a return to the Wigan matchday squad for the first time since suffering a hamstring injury in August.
A serious injury suffered in Wigan’s 2-0 defeat away at Gillingham on 22 August 2015 has seen McNaughton face six months on the sidelines rehabbing a hamstring injury. The 33-year-old is closing on a return however, after making an appearance in Latics’ friendly win over Burnley on Tuesday.
Speaking to Wigan’s club website, McNaughton detailed his return to footballing action at Wigan:
“I felt good, much better than my first match back last week,” McNaughton said.
“I’ve been training for about a month now and I feel good.
“It’ll be good to keep playing, and I’m hoping to be back available for first team selection soon,”
McNaughton recognised that Wigan have progressed massively on the pitch since he last featured in the side, with Wigan’s early season woes now seemingly firmly behind them as The Latics press on in search of an automatic promotion spot.
“The team seems to have got better as the season has progressed, especially when you compare it to those first five or six matches.”
McNaughton is also confident that Wigan can bounce back from their disappointing 0-0 draw at home to Oldham last week, starting with this week’s crucial match against fellow promotion chasers Walsall.
“When results like the draw to Oldham have happened in the past we’ve had good reactions, and I’ve no doubt that’ll be the aim this weekend.”
