Baines tipped to revel in role

Matt Jackson believes Leighton Baines has all the qualities necessary to captain Wigan.

Matt Jackson believes Leighton Baines has all the qualities necessary to become a successful captain of Wigan Athletic.

Baines was given the armband in Tuesday's Carling Cup clash at Crewe, and, despite his side suffering a 2-0 reverse, acquitted himself well in the new role.

Team-mate Jackson, who made a rare start for The Latics at Gresty Road, has been impressed by the left back's emergence in the team, and backed the 21-year-old to get even better - with a call up to the full England squad perhaps not too far away.

"I think he's going to be a superstar," said 34-year-old Jackson. "His play, without being captain, is excellent and he is one of the best left-backs in the country.

"He's a good lad around the place and there's been a big change in him in the four years or so since I've been here.

"He was 17 when I first arrived but now he's almost a senior pro despite his tender years and he certainly deserves to have a big future.

"He's a quiet lad and once he really starts to impose himself and realises how good he is, then he's got every chance.

"Obviously Ashley Cole and Wayne Bridge are very good players but after that there aren't too many [potential left-backs] and certainly with his level of consistency and his quality with that left foot he could be a good England prospect for the future."

Manager Paul Jewell has also backed Baines to flourish given the added responsibility.

He said: "'Bainsey' is going to be a really good player and it's a pat on the back for him.

"He's played a lot of games, he's progressed really well and I want him to go even further. The captaincy might give him even more confidence to go on."