Hagen keen on Latics stay

Defender hoping to remain at the JJB

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 13th May 2008

erik hagen

Hagen: Needs games

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Erik Hagen is hoping to have done enough to earn a permanent contract at Wigan.

The centre-half made just one appearance for the Latics after joining on loan from Uefa Cup finalists Zenit St Petersburg in January.

With is current deal at the JJB Stadium set to expire now that the Premier League season has reached its conclusion, the Norwegian international is hoping that Steve Bruce will find a place for him among his squad for next year.

"I don't know what is going to happen yet," Hagen told the Evening Post.

Friendly

"It hasn't been easy for me in the last few months, I came here to play but I struggled with my confidence and I couldn't get my game going.

"At least the team stayed up, that's the most important thing.

"I have enjoyed being at Wigan, the club has been very friendly to me, the players are good lads, and it's a nice place to live. Both my family and myself are interested in staying here.

"I need to be playing games but I blame myself for not having played very often.

Respect

"I have a big respect for Steve Bruce, he's a fantastic manager and a every good person.

"He came looking for me, gave me the opportunity to play in the Premier League, but I just didn't take my chance.

"I've only myself to blame. When I signed, I told the manager that I needed time to get settled in. I knew it would because it took me six months to do that when I went to Russia.

"I've just not had the confidence here, that comes from playing games. I must say Paul Scharner and Emmerson Boyce have been very good in the centre of defence so it was hard for me to get in."

Favourites

Hagen's parent club face Rangers in the Uefa Cup final at the City of Manchester Stadium on Wednesday, and unsurprisingly the defender is tipping his team-mates to come out on top.

"For me, Zenit are the favourites, although I know Rangers are strong too," he admitted.

"From my time with Zenit, I know they have players who can score against any team.

Quality

"They have a lot of quality. Their No.10, Andrei Arshavin who was suspended for the semi-final second leg, is one of the best players I have played with.

"He is a fantastic player and I think he will score in the final.

"Zenit got an unbelievable result against Bayern, beating them 4-0 in St Petersburg - it was a historic result.

"It's going to be a good final to watch."