Co-operative front provides belief

The Latics assistant coach writes every week for Chron Sport
IT is always a good sign when you struggle to pick a man-of-the-match after a victory and that was the case following our 2-1 win against MK Dons at Boundary Park.

Everyone put in a shift and did their jobs properly against probably the best footballing side in npower League One, who are flying high at the top of the table.

The work-rate was excellent to a man, so it was impossible to pick a stand-out performer.

Shefki Kuqi took his tally to five goals in eight appearances when he opened the scoring on the night.

He has struck up a very good understanding with strike partner Reuben Reid, so it was a real shame to see Reuben limp off with a thigh strain half-way through the first period.

But the good thing about Shefki is his ability to help out all of his team-mates. You can’t put a price on the vast experience he brings to the table.

The young players look up to him and the senior lads can learn from him too.

Last season we had some good spells but probably the one thing we lacked was a prolific goalscorer. Judging by early form, Shefki can certainly tick that box.

We hit the road to Tranmere tomorrow and I expect a totally different kind of challenge to MK Dons.

Les Parry’s side play direct football very well and have made a good start to the season, which has surprised some people but not myself.

They have had a solid base for a few seasons but have started adding some real quality.

Tranmere will throw everything at us and if the players are not ready to cope with the threat they pose, we will get turned over.

It is great if the lads take belief from wins against good sides such as MK Dons, but if that spills over into arrogance we will be found out and it’s back to square one.

We must show the same hunger and desire in order to overcome a good side and leave Prenton Park with three points.