West Bromwich Albion midfielder Paul Scharner says Wigan Athletic's future will depend on owner Dave Whelan dipping into his pockets.

If they go down, Scharner believes their future will hinge on the willingness of millionaire chairman Whelan to bankroll another attempt to come back up.

He said: "I would be a bit worried if Wigan left the Premier League.

"To be honest, it depends on Dave Whelan. He did a great job and tried everything to move Wigan forward, but the Premier League is very hard to compete in."