Wigan Athletic midfielder Callum McManaman has spoken for the first time over his ugly challenge on Newcastle United fullback Massadio Haidara.

McManaman was heavily criticised for the tackle, not least because the FA's current guidelines on retrospective action mean he was not punished.

He told the Wigan match programme, he said: "There was a long wait after the game for the next match but what happened didn't get me down. Things happen in football and all you can do is look forward.

"People around you help but ultimately it's about you as an individual and whether you go one way or another.

"Having just got in the team I was just desperate to get back on the training ground and make sure I was back in the team for the next game against Norwich.

"When the gaffer put me in that team it was a big moment and from that point onwards I think I have progressed and become a stronger part of the team."