Paul Scharner intends to remain in the Premiership should he have to leave Wigan. Scharner has had a difficult season at The JJB Stadium with injury and managerial disagreements with boss Steve Bruce.

The 28-year-old told the Austrian Kourier: "I have been in crisis. First, there was the nose surgery in the summer, then I did not know whether I should leave and then I got injured.

"In the new year, you will see a better Paul Scharner. I have learnt a lot from my troubles and I will come back stronger.

"I'm in the strongest league in the world with Wigan and that's why I want to stay in England."