Football Corner

High flying Premiership side Wigan have had a busy day in the market today with the loan signings of both David Thompson and Neil Mellor. Thompson, 28, has struggled to keep a first team place at Blackburn since recovering from a knee injury earlier this season. Thompson has suffered a host of injury problems over the last few years. The difficulties started in 2003 when a knee ligament problem kept him out for nine months.

He broke two bones in his foot after just 17 minutes of his comeback game against Manchester United in August 2004 which forced him to spend three months on the sidelines. Further surgery to finally correct the injury followed last summer. Complications with his knee then arose on a pre-season tour of Germany and he has been restricted to just three starts this season. "David has shown a real hunger to be involved with the Wigan project," said Jewell. "He's a talented lad who can play in a number of positions and he also has an eye for goal.

Mellor, 23, has also struggled to gain a first team place at Anfield with Liverpool due to the form of the likes of Crouch, Cisse and Morientes. The 23-year-old hit-man has found first team opportunities scarce at Anfield this term and has now moved to rejuvenate his somewhat stagnated career at The JJB. Jewell is confident Mellor has all the attributes to help Wigan sustain their fine start to life in The Premiership between now and the campaign's close.

"He will bring us a new dimension, and add competition to the squad which we need at the present time,'' Jewell told the club's official website. ''Neil is a good young striker who is looking for a chance to prove himself again at this level. ''He is strong and skilful with an eye for goal. I'm delighted to have both on board."

Two very good players and I think that they will both benifit from these loan deals that will last up until the end of the season. Out of the two I would have to say, Thompson is the better player because he's involved in everything in every match and he gives it all he's got in every game. It isn't that I think Mellor's a bad player, far from it, he is but he just needs a bit more experience and that is why I think it's a good move for him.