Sibierski Looking For Finishing Flourish At Wigan Athletic

Wigan Athletic striker Antione Sibierski has spent much of this season on loan at Championship strugglers Norwich City. He reappeared in the Latics' colours last weekend though, when he emerged as a second-half subsitute at the Riverside Stadium during the team's 0-0 draw with Middlesbrough.

Although the 34-year-old acknowledges that it is unlikely that he will be offered a new contract when his current on expires in the summer, he would like to stay in England, and feels that he can still offer something to Wigan before he leaves.

He looks set to be included in manager Steve Bruce's squad for the weekend's trip south to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, and is clearly enjoying being involved back in the North West again.

"From a personal point of view, I thought I did well against Boro," he told The Manchester Evening News today.

"I got about 20 minutes, I didn't give the ball away and being out there again in the Premier League gave me confidence. We have a few injuries at the moment and it was because of them I probably got back into the squad for the Boro game.

"I always believe, if I got given a chance again, I could play a part. I enjoy being back. I got the ball at my feet and tried to play some good football."

The result at Boro was also useful, the Frenchman felt, particularly after the disruption to their squad Wigan faced during January's transfer window, with key men such as Emile Heskey and Wilson Palacios departing the club.

"A draw away from home was not a bad result," Sibierski explained. "It would have been great to have won, but a draw is the next best thing. It has not been easy with players leaving and new ones coming in recently.

"The great team spirit is still there, but the balance has been broken a bit."

One man who has impressed him is defender Titus Bramble, and the striker concluded by warmly praising the defender, adding, "It's great for Titus to learn from Steve [Bruce] with him being a former centre-half.

"Titus is now more mature and more experienced. He does not make the mistakes he was making at Newcastle. He's a much better player now and his form throughout this season has been outstanding."

Zack Wilson, Goal.com