Wigan goalkeeper Chris Kirkland is prepared to fight for the starting spot at the DW Stadium.
Kirkland has been the Latics’ regular number one since joining from Liverpool four years ago, but after conceding 10 goals in their opening two games this season he was replaced by on-loan Ali Al Habsi.
However, the 29-year-old is refusing to sulk about his axing and is determined to regain his place from Al Habsi.
He told the Wigan Observer: “It’s the first time I’ve ever been in this situation in all the time I’ve been playing, but I’m no different to everyone else.
“There are much better players than me who have been left out of the team and have had to work their way back in. I’m no special case or anything like that.
“I’ve always had to work very hard to stay in the team, but I know I didn’t play well enough to deserve to stay in the team.
“And I’ve always said that it doesn’t matter who you are – if you’re not playing well enough, there are people here who will come in and take you place.
“I’ll be hoping to grab my chance with both hands when it does come although, to be fair, I’ve not grabbed many balls with both hands this season – which is partly why I’m on the sidelines.”