• Premier League

Al Habsi says Wigan have Liverpool in their sights

ESPN staff
May 10, 2012
Ali Al Habsi says the only way is up for Wigan © Getty Images
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Wigan goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi believes his side can look towards overhauling the likes of Liverpool next season, after securing their Premier League safety for another year.

Wigan confirmed their status in England's top flight for at least another campaign with victory over Blackburn in midweek, a result that sent the Ewood Park club down to the Championship.

Now able to start planning for the new campaign, Al Habsi believes the Latics have a squad capable of climbing the table and ensuring relegation scraps are a thing of the past.

"We deserved [to stay up]. We've proven ourselves to be a tough team to beat," Al Habsi said. "We are not far off in points from the likes of Stoke, Sunderland or Liverpool.

"We look forward to improving our position next season."

Only one more relegation spot remains to be decided, with Bolton hoping to leapfrog QPR on the last day of the season. Al Habsi, who used to ply his trade at the Reebok Stadium, is hopeful Owen Coyle's men can secure safety at the final hurdle when they face Stoke.

"I think Bolton have what it takes to survive," he said. "Stoke is a hard place to go to get three points, but Wigan did it on the last day of the season last year so it's not impossible. They should believe in themselves.

"It would hurt me a lot if Bolton went down. I really enjoyed myself there, and still have a lot of friends at the club. I hope they stay in the Premier League."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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