Wigan defender Emmerson Boyce optimistic about Premier League survival chances

Latics survival hopes have taken a significant boost after picking up four points from their last two games, but it will again be a close-run thing for Roberto Martinez side.

13 Feb 2012 14:29:00

By Alex Richards

More On :  Wigan Athletic, Emmerson Boyce
EPL,Emmerson Boyce,Blackpool v Wigan Athletic
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Wigan Athletic defender Emmerson Boyce is remaining optimistic that his team can avoid relegation following improved performance in recent weeks.

Only victory on the final day of last season, away against Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium, kept the Latics in the top-flight and will face fellow strugglers Wolves at the DW Stadium on May 13.

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However, Boyce says the club are ready for the eventuality of going into the last game with their Premier League status still, but he's looking to better last season’s last-gasp escape.

"The manager asked us for a big performance because it was a must-win game and the pressure was on," said Boyce, speaking to the clubs official website.

"We've been in this position before and we know what it's all about but we don't want it to go down to the last day like last season - but if it needs to it needs to.

"All we have to do is concentrate on ourselves, get the results and I'm sure we will be safe. Hopefully we can kick-start our season now, starting with Aston Villa next at the DW Stadium."

The Latics defender played a key role in his sides 2-1 defeat of Bolton on Saturday, and his 145th appearance for the club in the Premier League equalled the club record, set by Paul Scharner.

"It is a great achievement," Boyce added. “Scharner played a lot of games for Wigan so to equal it and get a victory makes it more worthwhile and I'm looking forward to more games to extend the run."

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