Scharner calls for Wigan response

Wigan defender Paul Scharner is hoping his side can bounce back and book a place in the semi-finals of the FA Cup on Saturday.

Roberto Martinez’s men were thrashed 4-0 by Liverpool at DW Stadium last time out, leaving them out of the relegation zone only on goal difference.

Wigan turn their attention away from the Premier League this weekend though, and face a tricky tie against Everton at Goodison Park for a place in the last four of the FA Cup.

And the Austrian defender is hoping they can put a disappointing defeat against Liverpool behind them.

“I think the game was one of those rare events in a season when nothing goes your way,” Scharner told the club’s official site.

“We can’t use that as an excuse though and we’ll be making sure that in our next game we turn things around from this weekend.

“We must just get past this game and start up again against Everton in the FA Cup next weekend.”

The quarter-final will be a welcome distraction for the Lancashire club, who currently sit precariously above the drop zone with 24 points.

Wigan welcome fellow strugglers Newcastle United and Norwich City after the trip to Merseyside and Scharner thinks Saturday’s quarter-final can instil confidence in his team-mates.

“It’s a good situation to have to break up the league fixtures with what could be a very significant moment in the history of the club.

“If we can play a good game at Goodison Park and get a victory there then we will be able to pick up our confidence again and bring it back to the league games.

“It’s vital that we prepare the best we can, not just for the Everton game but for every game from now until the end of the season.”