Wigan Athletic head coach Shaun Maloney was full of praise for young goalkeeper Sam Tickle in his recent press conference ahead of tomorrow’s League One clash with Carlisle United.
The Latics have had an excellent start to the 2023/24 campaign despite losing some key first-team players, including James McClean, Jack Whatmough, Jamie McGrath and Will Keane.
Having beaten Derby County 2-1 at Pride Park on the opening day, Wigan followed this up with another 2-1 victory at home to Northampton Town on Saturday, coming from a goal down to clinch all three points.
One of the major talking points surrounding the club over the past few days has been the excellent form of 21-year-old shot-stopper Sam Tickle.
Tickle has conceded two goals this season, one from an incredible volley by Derby County’s Craig Forsyth and another from Sam Hoskins’ sumptuous free-kick but has been instrumental in both wins so far.
Maloney on Premier League links
It was reported by Wigan Today on Friday that five Premier League clubs are keeping tabs on Maloney’s number ‘1’ as he continues to impress in goal at the DW Stadium.
The boss was asked about the links in his recent press conference and used the question as a mode to heap praise on Tickle [quotes via Wigan Today]:
“I saw the article, but I’ve no idea.
“Maybe it’s a really positive thing for Sam that he’s doing that well.
“He’s only had three league starts, but you can already see the level of player we have here.
“We’ll keep his feet on the ground, but he’s clearly had a very good start to the season.”
Writer’s View
The Scottish coach made a big call in the summer, handing such an inexperienced goalkeeper the number one shirt and trusting him to protect the goal behind the backline.
So far, Tickle has not let his manager down and has been excellent in League One, playing a huge helping hand in the Latics’ superb start to the season.
It may be too soon for the 21-year-old to make the switch to the Premier League but should he continue to perform for Wigan week in and week out, there may be more than five top-flight clubs interested next summer.
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