COOK PRIDE DESPITE KO

PAUL COOK claimed he was proud of his Wigan players after their FA Cup giantkilling run was ended by Southampton.

Wigan would have made history by becoming the first third-tier side to claim four top-flight scalps if they had won, but they came up short.

They gave their all against Saints and Cook was delighted with their achievements as he reflected on their wins over Bournemouth, West Ham and Manchester City.

“It’s been great,” said the Latics boss. “Just to come up on the touchline against the calibre of those managers.

“Our players have come up against internationals and have acquitted themselves really well.” Cook admitted he was nervous at the break, adding: “I was fearful because we had played so well and hadn’t got enough.

“We were wary of Southampton’s quality. You can look back at our chances and we didn’t work the goalkeeper enough.

“We were playing against top-class players and eventually, that quality came through.

“But the players have been a credit to the club. Now the focus is on promotion.

“The disappointment will sink in, but we pick ourselves up for Wednesday night against Walsall.”