Caldwell sounds wake-up message

POINT TO PROVE . . . Athletic loanee Billy Mckay will line-up against his parent club tonight

WIGAN Athletic manager Gary Caldwell has issued a stark message for his misfiring players ahead of tonight's clash.

The newly-promoted Championship side have not fared well in terms of pre-season results.

Two defeats against Premier League opposition in Liverpool (2-0) and Manchester United (2-0) have been accompanied by a pair of goalless draws at non-league sides Macclesfield and Chester.

It was the latest loss ­- a 4-1 reverse at Rochdale ­- which annoyed Caldwell, leaving him thankful that the poor performance came in a friendly outing rather than when it really mattered.

"It's a wake up call for everyone," Caldwell said of the loss at Spotland, in which Yanic Wildschut's goal that made it 2-1 in the second half was the only cheer for the travelling support.

"When you have success it can breed its own problems.

"Everyone has to wake up, last year is gone and we have to be ready for a massive challenge in two weeks time.

"The good thing is it's happened now and it's not happened in the league so it won't hurt us in terms of points but we have to do something quickly.

"Results come from good performances and when you get beat 4-1 there aren't many positives to take from it."

Reuben Noble-Lazarus, Nathaniel Mendez-Laing, Niall Canavan and Calvin Andrew all got on the scoresheet for Keith Hill's side.

One Athletic player who will be particularly keen to do well tonight is striker Billy Mckay.

The 27-year-old has only made one start in 18 months since joining Wigan on a permanent deal from Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

On loan under Athletic boss Stephen Robinson for the season, he will aim to hit the goal trail this evening in a game that starts at 7.30pm.

Admission prices tonight have been set at £10 adults, £5 concessions and £1 under-16s.