Goalscorers Patrick McEleney and Eoin Doyle spoke to the media following yesterday’s 0-2 victory over Scunthorpe United.
McEleney opened his account for Latics in fortuitous circumstances but Athletic’s second and Doyle’s first since his return was a confident finish.
Speaking about the result, Doyle said: “It’s a brilliant three points and it was needed. It gets us out of the bottom four and hopefully we can stay out of it now.
“The time I had off wasn’t good but it is great to be back and help the lads out.
“We need to get out of this position because it’s false with the players that we have and especially with the likes of Paddy coming into the fold now.
“We have had this momentum before and hopefully we can kick on now towards the end of the season and keep climbing that table.”
McEleney’s first goal for the club cannoned off his back after an effort from Jack Byrne and asked whether he is claiming the goal, McEleney replied: “100%.
“Jack has just given it to me but more importantly it was a great result and we look upwards now.
“It was tough and it’s my first game in a while and we had to dig in so we are over the moon to win.”
Both players came off the bench to change the game. “There is even competition for places on the bench as well,” Doyle said.
“It is tough but competition for places is healthy for the lads and pushes everyone on to perform so it’s good for the club.”
Doyle paid tribute to his fellow Irishman and believes there is a lot to come from him.
“It’s great to be back and it’s great to have Paddy on board as well,” he said. “He’s a magician with his feet and he’s going to excite the crowd.”