Scharner: Wigan require swift recovery

Wigan defender Paul Scharner is hoping his side recovers from a 4-0 defeat to Liverpool to book a place in the semi-finals of the FA Cup.

Roberto Martinez’s side were comfortably beaten courtesy of a Luis Suarez hat-trick at the DW Stadium last time out, meaning they are only out of the relegation zone on goal difference in the Premier League.

Wigan turn their attention away from the league duties this weekend though, as they face a tricky tie against Everton at Goodison Park for a place in the last four of the time-honoured 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,” he 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.

The Latics 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.”