Wigan Athletic striker Jason Scotland admits he owes his career to Burnley boss Owen Coyle.

Scotland's career was in tatters when the Home Office refused to renew his work permit four years ago. But Coyle changed their minds, took the hotshot to St Johnstone and even tried to sign him for Burnley in the summer.

Ahead of today's reunion, 30-year-old Scotland - a £2million buy from Swansea - recalled those grim days of uncertainty.

He said: "I was on international duty for Trinidad when my permit expired. They said I hadn't made a big impact at Dundee United. I was stopped at Heathrow and was there for six hours. It was a nightmare.

"I then had a week before going back to Trinidad but then Owen made an application and I got the permit. I owe him everything.

"God knows what I would be doing now if it wasn't for Owen. There is a pro league in Trinidad but this is where every player wants to be."