Coyle thrilled with ´outstanding´ Wigan

Owen Coyle expressed his delight after Wigan Athletic claimed their first win in European competition on Thursday.

The Championship club, who qualified for the UEFA Europa League after winning the FA Cup last year, beat Slovenian outfit Maribor 3-1 on home soil, with Nick Powell proving to be the star of the show.

The Manchester United loanee scored twice, sandwiching an effort from Ben Watson, as Coyle’s side made it four points from two games in Group D.

And manager Coyle was quick to heap praise on his men.

“The level of performance was outstanding,” he told BT Sport. “This is a proud club. Sixteen years ago we were in the Fourth Division.

“From start to finish we were outstanding. We showed the quality we’ve got.

“Nick Powell showed great quality. Given the injuries, we’re hoping it all goes well with us moving forward. I said to the lads to dominate – it should have been five or six nil.

“Scott Carson was an England keeper not by accident – he can get back into the squad.”

Up next for Coyle’s charges in Europe is the visit of group leaders Rubin Kazan on October 24.