Daniel de Ridder can't wait to get this season underway, and sees pre-season as the ideal opportunity to prove his worth.

Speaking before Latics travelled to their Austrian training camp, the 24-year-old explained his desire to play and build on last season's finish;

"I just want to play, like every other player. I want to prove myself on this level and I'm convinced I can do that. I can play on both sides and it's a very good squad."

The Dutchman, who debuted in Tuesday night's friendly against Eintracht Frankfurt, is looking towards the upcoming friendlies to prove himself to the manager, after a tough pre-season programme of fitness work and ice-baths;

"If the Sun was shining it would be a bit easier but it's just part of this time of year. We've just started training so it's the tough bit, but I definately want to get the season started.

"I think every game you play, whether it is a friendly or not , you want to show what you've got. It's conditional work that you do and you improve...the pre-season work is important."

De Ridder also went on to explain how big a part Steve Bruce played in his move to Latics; admiring the gaffer's work and the quality of the team;

"He (Steve Bruce) took me to Birmingham last year, I played some games for him and unfortunately he left for Wigan. My agent stayed in touch with him and Steve said that if the opportunity would rise then he would like to take me to Wigan, and that's how it happened.

"They (Wigan) had a good result last year staying in the Premiership from being in a bad position when Steve came in. But the players in the squad are very good and there is a lot of quality. I think everyone has to prove their worth."

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