Post by Taxigirl on Jan 7, 2006 9:44:19 GMT
soccernet.espn.go.com/preview?id=192032&cc=5739
KO - 13:00 UK - The JJB Stadium
Wigan midfielder Josip Skoko is considering his future after failing to make an impact at the JJB Stadium since arriving in the summer.
Skoko has no regrets over leaving Turkish side Genclerbirligi for the Latics and maintains he has the support of manager Paul Jewell.
But he was hoping to have played a greater role as he has figured in just five Premiership matches this season and even in his three starts he has twice been replaced at half-time.
With the World Cup looming for the Australia international Skoko is taking a close look at the situation, with the current month a make-or-break one.
However, Skoko has vowed to fight for his place with the 30-year-old stating: ``I'm still convinced the move here was a good one.
``I was well aware it would be a challenge coming to England and that is what I've got.
``It's a little bit of a tougher time for me at the moment, but I'm not going to lie down. I'll definitely keep putting the effort in.
``I admit there have been frustrations. It's a little bit worrying what's happening, considering it's the half-year before the World Cup.
``But I'm still confident I'll get plenty of games. The manager has been supportive, but the next little period will be crucial for me.''
Speaking in the Sydney Morning Herald, Skoko added: ``This month will tell me a lot.
``If I get a clear signal I'm not going to be playing regularly, then I'll have to look at other avenues. I'll have to sit down and really think about it.
``But I back my ability to be in the side, so I'm not that worried about it just yet. It's just a matter of opportunity.''
Skoko, who has also started three Carling Cup matches, is likely to get another chance to impress Jewell in tomorrow's FA Cup third round tie at home to Championship promotion hopefuls Leeds.
Jewell is poised to make changes following the disappointing defeats to Blackburn and Birmingham earlier this week, which may mean a debut for centre-back Paul Scharner who was recently signed from Brann Bergen.
Wigan goalkeeper Mike Pollitt feels the visit of Leeds, and the first leg of the Carling Cup semi-final with Arsenal at the JJB Stadium on Tuesday, represent the ideal fixtures to get back on track.
``There is no need for too much doom and gloom because at this stage of the season people thought we would be where Birmingham are now,'' said Pollitt
``We have done brilliantly to get where we are. Now we just need a few more points to make sure we are safe and try and kick on from there.
``But the cups are also important to us. Maybe they are good for us at this moment in time.
``It's important to get something out of them because our confidence has taken a little knock in the last two games.''
Leeds have been given the all-clear to play midfielder Jonathon Douglas.
Douglas, on loan at Elland Road until the end of the season from Blackburn, was also given permission to play in the Carling Cup by the Premiership side.
Boss Kevin Blackwell has no major new injury or suspension concerns for the trip to the JJB Stadium and has the rare luxury of having all four of his strikers fit.
Robbie Blake and Richard Cresswell both started and scored in the 3-0 win at Plymouth, while Rob Hulse stepped off the bench to slam home a late penalty and David Healy was an unused substitute.
Blackwell could be tempted to rest players following the hectic festive fixture schedule, but must decide who will step in to replace midfielder Liam Miller, who has returned to Manchester United, with Danny Pugh and Frazer Richardson both viable options.
KO - 13:00 UK - The JJB Stadium
Wigan midfielder Josip Skoko is considering his future after failing to make an impact at the JJB Stadium since arriving in the summer.
Skoko has no regrets over leaving Turkish side Genclerbirligi for the Latics and maintains he has the support of manager Paul Jewell.
But he was hoping to have played a greater role as he has figured in just five Premiership matches this season and even in his three starts he has twice been replaced at half-time.
With the World Cup looming for the Australia international Skoko is taking a close look at the situation, with the current month a make-or-break one.
However, Skoko has vowed to fight for his place with the 30-year-old stating: ``I'm still convinced the move here was a good one.
``I was well aware it would be a challenge coming to England and that is what I've got.
``It's a little bit of a tougher time for me at the moment, but I'm not going to lie down. I'll definitely keep putting the effort in.
``I admit there have been frustrations. It's a little bit worrying what's happening, considering it's the half-year before the World Cup.
``But I'm still confident I'll get plenty of games. The manager has been supportive, but the next little period will be crucial for me.''
Speaking in the Sydney Morning Herald, Skoko added: ``This month will tell me a lot.
``If I get a clear signal I'm not going to be playing regularly, then I'll have to look at other avenues. I'll have to sit down and really think about it.
``But I back my ability to be in the side, so I'm not that worried about it just yet. It's just a matter of opportunity.''
Skoko, who has also started three Carling Cup matches, is likely to get another chance to impress Jewell in tomorrow's FA Cup third round tie at home to Championship promotion hopefuls Leeds.
Jewell is poised to make changes following the disappointing defeats to Blackburn and Birmingham earlier this week, which may mean a debut for centre-back Paul Scharner who was recently signed from Brann Bergen.
Wigan goalkeeper Mike Pollitt feels the visit of Leeds, and the first leg of the Carling Cup semi-final with Arsenal at the JJB Stadium on Tuesday, represent the ideal fixtures to get back on track.
``There is no need for too much doom and gloom because at this stage of the season people thought we would be where Birmingham are now,'' said Pollitt
``We have done brilliantly to get where we are. Now we just need a few more points to make sure we are safe and try and kick on from there.
``But the cups are also important to us. Maybe they are good for us at this moment in time.
``It's important to get something out of them because our confidence has taken a little knock in the last two games.''
Leeds have been given the all-clear to play midfielder Jonathon Douglas.
Douglas, on loan at Elland Road until the end of the season from Blackburn, was also given permission to play in the Carling Cup by the Premiership side.
Boss Kevin Blackwell has no major new injury or suspension concerns for the trip to the JJB Stadium and has the rare luxury of having all four of his strikers fit.
Robbie Blake and Richard Cresswell both started and scored in the 3-0 win at Plymouth, while Rob Hulse stepped off the bench to slam home a late penalty and David Healy was an unused substitute.
Blackwell could be tempted to rest players following the hectic festive fixture schedule, but must decide who will step in to replace midfielder Liam Miller, who has returned to Manchester United, with Danny Pugh and Frazer Richardson both viable options.