Wigan defender Reece James hopes to face former club Manchester United in the FA Cup today.

James, 23, sidelined for 53 weeks by ankle ligament and tendon problems, will be on the bench when Warren Joyce's Championship underdogs face his former club Manchester United.

He said: “I played for United at Old Trafford in a pre-season friendly against Valencia and for the Under-23s, but playing there, in front of a full house, is something I've always wanted.

“I'm sure I'll be giving the manager a nudge in the last 10 minutes, but I have had only seven training sessions and 45 minutes of a behind-closed-doors friendly and I know that the result is the most important thing.

“I was just getting back to fitness when the draw for the fourth round was made and it was an extra incentive to push myself that little bit more.

“After the year I've had, it will just be great to be involved."