The Latics struggled when the season opened, losing to both Blackpool and Chelsea. Results since have picked up and the mood around the DW Stadium is a little more optimistic.
Speaking in the Wigan Evening Post, the Latics boss said: "You can see the concentration on the players' faces because they know the competition in the squad is fierce and they need to perform to keep their place.
"The options we have in the squad at the moment and the strength on the bench is something I don't think we've ever had during our time in the Premier League."
CLICK HERE FOR THE MESSAGEBOARD
188bet competition: Win tickets for the game with Newcastle - Click Here for details