Wigan Athletic goalkeeper Mike Pollitt admits their next two games are crucial.

They have lost four of the last five games and face Portsmouth at the JJB Stadium on Saturday before visiting Birmingham a week later.

Pollitt, currently back-up keeper to Chris Kirkland, told the Wigan Evening Post: "We've had a tough run, playing Liverpool and Manchester United in successive games.

"We were unlucky not to get something against Liverpool, although we got well beaten at United.

"So the next two games are ones we need to get points from.

"Portsmouth have started the season strongly. I saw them play Fulham on TV the other week and they looked good.

"Harry Redknapp has spent a few quid and has put together a very good squad.

"After that, we go to Birmingham and it's a game we really need to be winning as we've got Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal to follow.

"I know Tottenham are near the bottom at the moment, but going to White Hart Lane won't be easy.

"We've dropped down the league too - we're only three points off the bottom - so we really need a couple of wins."