NAISMITH HAPPY TO BE LATICS STAND-IN DEFENDER

WIGAN’S Kal Naismith feels his defending is improving every week after being drafted in at left-back in the absence of Antonee Robinson.

The 27-year-old normally plays on the left wing or behind the striker, but following an injury to Everton loanee Robinson, Naismith has dropped back into defence.

He has enjoyed the change, and said: “I’m learning all of the time, I’m happy to be playing in that new role and delighted to be playing in this league and just learning every day.

“I go back after the game and watch it, I take little bits from it. It’s funny because I feel like my crossing hasn’t been great as it’s my best asset, but my defending is getting better every week.

“I take the positives from that, I just want to keep learning as a player and keep improving.”

USA international Robinson, 21, has been sidelined by a serious ankle injury, but is now back in contention.

Naismith is pleased to see him return to the fold, adding: “It’s great to have Jedi back, he’s a top player and has played at the highest level.

“He had a great season last year and was having a great one so far this season up to his injury, so it was unlucky for him.”

Meanwhile, Gary Roberts has signed a new contract with Wigan until the summer of 2020.

The 34-year-old midfielder has made 51 appearances for Latics since joining them from Portsmouth two years ago.