Neville praises Wigan duo

By Adam Marshall  

Neville praises Wigan duo

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Gary Neville has paid tribute to Wigan Athletic strikers Jason Roberts and Henri Camara, describing them as two of the trickiest opponents in The Premiership.

Manchester United were often second best against a determined Wigan side on Monday night, but emerged triumphant courtesy of a late own-goal by Pascal Chimbonda.

Camara and Roberts, in particular, made life difficult for Neville and his fellow defenders and the England right back was quick to praise their efforts.

"It was an extremely hard game for us, a battle and they made us work really hard," the United skipper told Sky Sports.

"We played a lot better in the second half - in the first half, they were on top.

"It's the best way to win a football match, there's no comeback from it. We battled well, they got a goal up and we thought it would be very difficult, but we actually started to play then as it kicked us into life.

"The two lads at the back [Rio Ferdinand and Wes Brown] had to defend all night against those two lads [Camara and Roberts]. You're never going to get a harder game than those two up front, as they run you into the ground.

"The way you win at the end, you've got to be realistic," he conceded. "I think Wigan, with the effort they put into the match, the chances they had and the way they performed, they were unlucky.

"But we've got to take anything that comes our way. We've had our own disappointments."

Centre back Brown echoed the thoughts of his captain after being awarded Sky Sports' Man of the Match award.

"It was very difficult, they made it hard for us all night," said England hopeful Brown.

"They put a lot of pressure on us, scored the goal but we kept focused, kept going and got the win in the end.

"It was a good performance, considering the conditions and the way they played.

"It was a big win, we needed that and knew it was going to be difficult.

"I'm just glad we came through with it and can carry on."