LOOKING AFTER NO.1

United fan Sam only wants a Latics victory

- DANIEL MARSH

WIGAN'S date with Manchester United tonight holds extra significance for Sam Tickle.

The Latics' highly-rated goalkeeper, 21, will fulfil a childhood dream by playing against the club he and his father, Mark, both support.

And he's relishing the occasion of representing his local club against United.

"My dad's always been a big United fan," said Tickle. "He never played football, he was a rugby man, but he supported United.

"It's been hard to be a Manchester United fan for the past few years! But before that it was unbelievable.

"I've done all the stadium tours and been to plenty of home games."

Despite his love for United, there will be no mixed emotions as Tickle represents a club he has been affiliated with since the age of nine.

"It's home really, Wigan," he said.

"I've been here so long now that I support the club as well.

"I always want them to do well. It would feel weird to be anywhere else."