Latics making improvements ahead of Mansfield match

Latics boss Dino Maamria is convinced that new striker Danny Rowe is set for a bright future at Boundary Park.

Rowe, who turns 30 tomorrow (Weds), signed for Latics for an undisclosed fee - believed to be around £50,000 - recently from National League outfit AFC Fylde, and notched his first goal for his new club at the weekend.

Rowe latched on to Zak Dearnley's through-ball before steadying and then smashing home, grabbing Latics a late equaliser in a 1-1 League Two draw at Salford City.

That goal came in just his second Latics appearance, and Maamria knows he has signed a quality front-man.

The Latics gaffer said: "Danny's goal showed the quality that we have been lacking this season.

"All teams much higher up the division have got a striker like him, and it's not just the goals he'll get for us.

"He'll give everyone around him confidence.

"You can see the difference, and exactly what he brings to the side.

"He's got great vision, touch, and composure, and that goal on Saturday was sensational.

"He's a true goal-scorer and hopefully he'll get many more for this club."

Rowe will hope to add to his tally tonight (Tuesday) as Latics play the first of back-to-back home fixtures against stuttering Mansfield Town.

Bradford arrive at Boundary Park on Saturday.

Maamria knows his side - who have drawn their last four games and not won any of their last seven - face a tough task.

He said: "Lots has changed at Mansfield this season, but they still have an unbelievable squad for this level.

"They had a poor start to the season, but they produced a really good performance at the weekend and so we will definitely not be under-estimating them.

"They've under-achieved this season, so it's up to us to try and capitalise on that. What do we need to do?

"It's really important we get a win, that's for sure.

"We've got to get back to basics and start loving the ball better when we're in possession.

"We need to be at our absolute best to get the three points, and I'm confident we can be."

Loan defender Carl Piergianni will come back into contention for tonight's game after being forced to miss Saturday's draw against his parent club.

Chris McCann and second Salford loanee Emmanuel Dieseruvwe are still injured.

Latics boss Dino Maamria is convinced that new striker Danny Rowe is set for a bright future at Boundary Park.

Rowe, who turns 30 tomorrow (Weds), signed for Latics for an undisclosed fee - believed to be around £50,000 - recently from National League outfit AFC Fylde, and notched his first goal for his new club at the weekend.

Rowe latched on to Zak Dearnley's through-ball before steadying and then smashing home, grabbing Latics a late equaliser in a 1-1 League Two draw at Salford City.

That goal came in just his second Latics appearance, and Maamria knows he has signed a quality front-man.

The Latics gaffer said: "Danny's goal showed the quality that we have been lacking this season.

"All teams much higher up the division have got a striker like him, and it's not just the goals he'll get for us.

"He'll give everyone around him confidence.

"You can see the difference, and exactly what he brings to the side.

"He's got great vision, touch, and composure, and that goal on Saturday was sensational.

"He's a true goal-scorer and hopefully he'll get many more for this club."

Rowe will hope to add to his tally tonight (Tuesday) as Latics play the first of back-to-back home fixtures against stuttering Mansfield Town.

Bradford arrive at Boundary Park on Saturday.

Maamria knows his side - who have drawn their last four games and not won any of their last seven - face a tough task.

He said: "Lots has changed at Mansfield this season, but they still have an unbelievable squad for this level.

"They had a poor start to the season, but they produced a really good performance at the weekend and so we will definitely not be under-estimating them.

"They've under-achieved this season, so it's up to us to try and capitalise on that. What do we need to do?

"It's really important we get a win, that's for sure.

"We've got to get back to basics and start loving the ball better when we're in possession.

"We need to be at our absolute best to get the three points, and I'm confident we can be."

Loan defender Carl Piergianni will come back into contention for tonight's game after being forced to miss Saturday's draw against his parent club.

Chris McCann and second Salford loanee Emmanuel Dieseruvwe are still injured.

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