Franco Di Santo

After a relatively comfortable 2-0 win against newly promoted Queens Park Rangers, Wigan are now in the heady heights of seventh position in the Premier League – nicely placed for a surge into the European places.

No doubt the mega spenders at the top of the Premier League will be quaking at the prospect.

Seriously though, Wigan’s young team are continuing to make excellent progress playing some attractive football in the process.

Roberto Martinez’s perseverance is starting to pay dividends and if we can add some numbers to the squad before the close of the transfer window, mid-table is a reasonable target.

Despite QPR hitting the woodwork on three occasions, Latics controlled possession and looked the more confident outfit throughout.

Ben Watson and Mohammed Diame bossed the midfield and Jordi Gomez provided some deft touches to enliven a lively frontline led by the returning Hugo Rodallega and the surprisingly potent Franco Di Santo.

Di Santo scored two spectacular goals although both benefited from slight deflections.

Di Santo had only previously scored one goal for the Latics against Sunderland but his brace against the hoops should give his confidence a boost for the forthcoming fixtures.

Despite being without the injured Antolin Alcaraz, Latics looked reasonably safe at the back with Alcaraz’s replacement Lopez putting in a steady shift.

Latics were also without the not fully fit James McCarthy, who was on the bench, but the midfield coped well against a team who will be bolstered by a number of new signings before the close of the transfer window. Joey Barton and Luke Young have already been recruited, but Rangers will also have to reinforce in a number of other positions if they are to survive at the top-level.

Wigan go into the international break in an excellent position, with the fans in an upbeat mood. Long may it continue.