Lewis Montrose convinced he is on right avenue at Latics

Wigan Athletic have confirmed that Lewis Montrose has signed a new deal at the club.

The young Manchester-born midfielder is the only player from last season's crop of young professionals to be offered terms for another year, after impressing Steve Bruce and his management team sufficiently during the course of last season.

Bruce said: "Lewis has done well and has a chance now. He knows that the competition for places at this club is the stiffest it has ever been, but we feel he has potential and now it's completely up to him.

"He has shown a good attitude and worked hard last year. Let's see how he progresses during the course of this season."

Montrose, 6ft 3 inches tall, a tigerish midfielder who can play defensively but also has an eye for goal going forwards, is delighted to be staying at the club.

He said: "I know how tough it's going to be to make the next step, but just to be given that chance is a major boost for me and now I just want to focus totally on improving and on learning from the people around me at the club."

Montrose joins Latics' two young Poles, Tomasz Cwyka and Tomasz Kupisz, as well as the unprecedented seven young pros to be offered terms for the season: Craig Mahon, Joe, Holt, Andrew Pearson, Luke Ashworth, Matty Hampson, Jon Routledge and Lewis Field.

Bruce added: "We've got a really healthy crop of young players with us at the moment. Let's hope some of them can take the next step in their careers."