Hagen happy with Latics move

Norwegian ready to lend his experience

By Eivind Haugen   Last updated: 1st February 2008

erik hagen zenit st petersburg

Hagen: Excited

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Wigan's new signing Erik Hagen is looking forward to the challenge of helping the club avoid relegation.

Latics boss Steve Bruce swooped for Hagen before the close of the transfer deadline to bolster his squad.

Hagen arrives at the JJB Stadium from Zenit St. Petersburg on loan until the end of the season and the 32-year-old says he was recommended to Bruce by Norway boss Age Hareide.

"Yes I was delighted when everything was solved," Hagen told Ringerikes Blad.

"Age [Hareide] knows Steve Bruce and recommended me to go there and that made it all easier.

"Age told Bruce what kind of player I am and Bruce wanted an old head in his defence, one with experience and knows what's happening.

"I take that as a compliment that he chose me and I hope I get a lot of time on the pitch."

Hagen struggled to feature on a regular basis for Zenit this season and the defender admits he found it difficult to be left on the sidelines.

"A period like the one I've been through now is the worst for any football player so I am very happy," added Hagen.