Flyer Flynn is Latics main man

ONTO A WINNER . . . Ryan Flynn shows his attacking intent against Wigan on Tuesday

ATHLETIC'S man of the moment Ryan Flynn was the perfect signing for a club seeking to end a barren run in the EFL Cup.

There can hardly have been a more suitable man on the market this summer than the 27-year-old Scot in terms of knock-out know-how.

Five years as a regular at Sheffield United saw the ex-Falkirk midfielder involved in glorious runs to the semi-finals of both the League and FA Cup.

"It has been a case of close, but not close enough for me," said Flynn, who at least enjoyed a taste of Wembley with the Blades when, after leading Hull City 2-1 at half-time, his side lost 5-3 after extra-time in the last four of the FA Cup in 2014.

Flynn was also involved in a tussle with Spurs the following season. Spurs won the two-legged League Cup semi-final 3-2 on aggregate despite a fightback from the home side in a 2-2 second leg.

Athletic's goals in the same competition are more modest. That is not surprising, given a history of seven straight defeats in the first round that preceded the stirring 2-1 win over Wigan this week.

But having landed a tie at Preston North End thanks in no small measure to his terrific individual goal and perfect pass for Josh Law's winner, Flynn wants Athletic to continue in the same vein in the league when Walsall visit SportsDirect.com Park this weekend.

"Overall, it was about getting to the next round and getting that first victory," said the Scot.

"The fact we were at home was crucial and we really showed what we can do, getting in people's faces and making it difficult.

"Let's make no mistake - Wigan are a good side. They pretty much cruised the league last year with free-flowing football and have probably added better players since.

"Nobody can take this one away from us. I know they went down to 10 men but even when it was 11 versus 11, we were the better team and were on the front foot and creating chances.

"They kept the ball well in possession - but like us at Millwall, it was all in front of the defence without really hurting the opposition.

"This was a pleasing performance and we take this on now. Walsall like to get the ball down and play as well, so we have to make sure that it is a difficult game for them."

At the age of 27, Flynn has 274 senior appearances to his name across seven seasons at an average of 39 per year, a testament to his ability to steer clear of injuries.

One of Stephen Robinson's major signings, the wily midfielder knows there is plenty of room for Athletic to improve even though he felt there were even signs that the team was gelling at the den.

"There were a lot of improvements even at Millwall, which is a hard case to make when you have lost 3-0," Flynn admitted.

"Against Wigan you could see a lot of it and getting that victory helps.

"There are still a lot of things we can get better on. We were disappointed to concede another goal from a set-piece.

"But we created so much and on my side Brian Wilson won so many balls to push us on on my side and Paul Green too. It is a case of resting up and we go again on Saturday."