Kilbane hails Latics' quality

Midfielder Kevin Kilbane is confident Wigan have enough quality in their squad to become an established side in the Premier League this season.Steve Bruce's side are yet to register any points in the campaign so far after a 2-1 away defeat to West Ham on the opening day of the season was followed by a 1-0 defeat to Chelsea at the JJB Stadium.

The Latics did though record a morale-boosting 4-0 home win over Notts County in the second round of the Carling Cup during the week thanks to a brace from Henri Camara and a goal apiece from Amr Zaki and Tomasz Kupisz.

And Kilbane, 31, believes he has seen enough over the course of the three matches to suggest that while avoiding relegation is their first target they can set their sights a bit higher.

"In terms of this season I think to stay up has to be our first priority and when we get to that stage - and I'm certain we will - then we can start to look beyond that," Kilbane said.

"The gaffer hasn't necessarily said 'let's get the 40 points target' but of course the priority is maintain our Premier League status and hopefully when you are in a safe position you can look to get a few more points on the board.

"But looking further forward I can see no reason - with the squad we have - why we can't look to really establish ourselves in the Premier League this season.

"We've bought in some really good players over the summer. Amr Zaki in particular has come in and looked like a real find for us.

"He is a very raw talent but has lots of ability and I am sure he will go on and get quite a few goals for us this season.

"What has also impressed everybody is that he has got such a good attitude. It will be a real plus to have players like him around the squad.

"In fact I would say that overall the squad is a lot stronger than last season which is why I am having to fight to get into the team at the moment after missing out on the first two league games.

"Everybody wants to play games and I'm no different and with the competition for places being healthy I am sure we'll progress in the league this year despite losing the first two games."

Wigan face a trip to Hull at the weekend and the Republic of Ireland international is wary of the threat posed by the Tigers who are unbeaten after their first two games in the top flight.

"It will be a very difficult game for us because Hull have started the season very well," Kilbane added.

"Obviously they picked up a great point down the road at Blackburn the other week on the back of an opening-day win over Fulham so it will be a difficult place for any team to go this season.

"I think history has shown that (with) teams that come up it has been about that freshness and the new feeling and the new league and everyone has got a point to prove.

"Ipswich did it a few years back and Reading did it a few seasons ago and that fresh feeling you have can carry through a lot so we're going to have to be on the top of our game."

Source - Eurosport / Yahoo! Sport