Wigan Athletic are proud of Everton fullback Leighton Baines' imminent World Cup debut tonight against Italy.
The left-back will become the first ever player from the Latics academy set-up to pull on an England jersey at a World Cup. Dave Whelan says it will be a proud moment for everyone at the club and believes Baines' progress is a perfect incentive for the current crop of Latics youngsters.
"Leighton came through Wigan Athletic and I think everyone here really appreciated him and liked him," said the Latics chairman to Wigan Today.
"He is a very, very loyal lad. Everton was his great favourite when he was growing up and when he wanted to go I had to let him go really and he's proved to be a really, really good buy for Everton and a good lad too.
"He has got now to a position that is unbelievable and fantastic but the lad always had ability and always looked like he could play at the highest level.
"Leighton is a lad who you would have in your club and team all the time, he gives you 100 per cent every time he goes on the training ground and pitch.
"He is a wonderful, wonderful example to all our youngsters."
