Forward hoping Latics build on Saturday’s draw with Plymouth when they head to Milton Keynes on Tuesday night.

Will Keane | “Let’s kick-on and make Saturday a good point”
Keane scored his first goal for the club in draw with Plymouth Argyle on Saturday
Former Manchester United forward: “We were disappointed to not get three points on Saturday but that point could hopefully kick us on and we could look back and say that was a real turning point for us.”

Wigan Athletic forward Will Keane says Latics need to make Saturday’s draw with Plymouth Argyle a good point on their Sky Bet League One tally by following it up with a result at MK Dons on Tuesday evening.

Keane’s first goal for the club earned John Sheridan’s side a point against the Pilgrims to end a four-game losing streak in all competitions, that had followed three consecutive victories.

Reflecting on Saturday’s game with Latics TV, Keane said:

“I was really pleased to get off the mark; it was just a shame it didn’t lead to three points but it was good to get back in the game. I feel like we needed that as a team to build our confidence and give us something to build from.

“We said at the end of the game how much more enjoyable the second-half was because in the first-half we didn’t play great – we were still in the game but we conceded a cheap goal which was frustrating.

“In the last couple of games in the second-half we have really kicked on and played with more purpose so we need to produce that more throughout the whole 90 minutes.

“I think in the second-half we were on the front foot more and we were more positive in our play. Rather than the opposition getting a goal and us then chasing the game, if we can find that mentality from the start to kick on and get after teams then there is nothing for us to fear and if we go a goal up it puts us in a much better position.”

Keane heads to Milton Keynes likely to start alongside Joe Garner up front for Sheridan’s side and the two have previous at Stadium MK as they played together in a 1-0 win for Preston North End at the stadium in August 2015.

“I really enjoy playing with Joe [Garner] he is such a handful for defenders and puts himself about,” Keane said of his partnership with Latics’ leading goal-scorer.

“I can feed off him, he holds the ball up well and I think that frees me up so hopefully we can both chip in with goals.

“He started the season really well and it was good for me to get a goal the other day, I am sure he will take the chances when they come too.”

Keane’s first goal for Latics comes in his second spell with the club, having previously made four appearances on loan from Manchester United in 2013.

And the striker says the first goal will help his confidence moving forwards.

“I think it is a bit of a relief and it does give you confidence,” he added. “I am enjoying playing my football so I want to kick on and the goals will take care of themselves.

“It has been great coming in here to Wigan after a few months without playing and being out of contract. I have been itching to play and get out on the pitch, I feel like it has taken a couple of games to get me up to speed after not really having a pre-season but I am starting to get into my stride and hopefully I can now kick-on.”

And Keane finished by adding how important the next few games could be in determining the path of Latics’ season.

“Stadium MK is a great place to play football, it’s a really nice stadium and I am looking forward to it,” Keane explained. “It is a great opportunity for us to build on the weekend and go into some big games with confidence and move up the table.

“We were disappointed to not get three points on Saturday but that point could hopefully kick us on and we could look back and say that was a real turning point for us.

“We have played a lot of teams from the top of the division so we know that ahead of us are teams in and around us and if we can get wins then that pulls us up the table.”

Will Keane | “Let’s kick-on and make Saturday a good point”