Paul Dickov has thrown down a challenge to his players to reach Wembley declaring it could change their lives for ever.

As Latics are possibly just 90 minutes away from achieving this goal, the manager is keen to impress the magnitude of Monday's home leg against Chesterfield in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy, Northern Area Final.

Dickov (pictured) was speaking from personal experience having scored a dramatic injury-time equaliser for Manchester City in the 1999 League One play-off final against Gillingham. City went on to win the game following a penalty shootout.

He said: "I am still dining out and getting pints bought me for a goal I scored 12 years ago.

"It shows the boys that, even though it is only the Johnstone's Paint Trophy, it is a game at Wembley and it is no an over exaggeration to say they could go down in history."

Dickov added as a youngster he always aspired to play in any game at Wembley, if not an international then a cup final or semi-final.

"It is something which, regardless of what else you do in your career, it will stay with you for the rest of your career," he continued.

The Latics manager added that it is important in big games to play without fear.

And he believes his players have proved they can handle pressure pointing to the high-profile games against Southend and Liverpool.