Wigan manager Shaun Maloney feels there is more to come from midfielder Babajide Adeeko after he scored his first career goal to seal a 1-0 win at Rotherham.
Adeeko’s close-range finish ensured a first Boxing Day victory in a decade for the Latics.
It was a moment to remember for the Republic of Ireland Under-21 international and Maloney wants to see him keep improving.
He said: “It was a brilliant goal.
“I am really pleased with him. Baba flew through into our starting team at the very beginning of last season.
“He has had a slight dip this season which is absolutely normal for a young player, but he has really come back and hit the heights again.
“I really like the connection (he has) with the support and I was really pleased with his performance, but he has to keep going.
“There is plenty more left for him to get better at, but I am happy he scored because his performance deserved it.”
Maloney was also happy with the resilience his side showed.
He added: “We had to show two sides. I knew towards the end if we were winning that we would have to defend the longer pass into our box.”
Rotherham had good openings to take the lead, with Mallik Wilks lashing wide and Andre Green heading over from crosses.
Wigan scored in the third minute of first-half stoppage time when Jonny Smith got in easily down the right and cut the ball back for Adeeko to lash home.
Wigan skipper Jason Kerr came close to rounding off victory in the second half but headed wide from a corner.
Rotherham failed to create a big chance to get anything from the game and their performance was met with boos from the home supporters.
Millers manager Steve Evans feels a lack of confidence is affecting their form.
He said: “I think it’s a difficult one to assess. To be walking up the tunnel at half-time and they are 1-0 up is a tough one to take.
“We got the shape and system right and had a lot of the play.
“We limited them to counter-attacking, but you can’t miss the level of chance that we did.
“It was a good piece of skill by the Wigan boy on the touchline, but then we don’t defend properly for their goal.
“We huffed and puffed and we had to just gamble really.
“You have to get the fine margins in your favour and we are not doing that.
“You have to make your own luck in this game. I am searching inside for answers myself.
“It’s congested and tight in the league. Confidence plays a major part.”
