Mellor surprise at dream debut

Neil Mellor says he did not expect to start as he scored his first goal for Wigan.

Neil Mellor says his Wigan debut was an unexpectedly successful start to his Latics career after he scored the last gasp winner to down Middlesbrough on Saturday.

The Liverpool forward only moved to The JJB Stadium on Thursday on loan from Liverpool, but made an immediate impact as he netted an injury time winner in the 3-2 victory.

The goal represented a huge change in fortunes for the 23-year-old after a barren 2005 that was blighted by injury.

After being surprised at his starting role at The Riverside, Mellor says his first outing for Paul Jewell's men could not have been topped after endearing himself to Latics fans immediately.

"I could not have asked for a better start," said Mellor. "It has been a long time since I have played and this was only my third game in a year.

"I played two reserve matches for Liverpool before I received the call last week to go to Wigan.

"I did not expect to start but the gaffer showed faith in me.

"Now all I want to do is play games and see what happens in the summer.

"Paul Jewell is a Scouser and I have always got on with them.

"The winning goal was typical of me really, being in the right place at the right time."

Mellor's impressive display has got Jewell thinking about a permanent move for the Reds striker, after the Latics boss admitted: "Something might happen at the end of the season."