I CAN'T WAIT TO WOW WIGAN

WIGAN-BOUND defender Andy Webster is desperate to repay Latics boss Paul Jewell for backing him in his proposed landmark move to the JJB stadium.

The Scotland centre-half is still to receive the green light to play for the Premiership club with FIFA to decide on compensation for Hearts.

The transfer has been hampered by red tape with the 24-year-old having invoked a little-known FIFA ruling that allows players to move to a club in another country if they are three years into a four-year contract.

Football's world governing body will determine how much Hearts should be paid for the player although a date as yet to be set for a hearing.

With Webster unable to play first-team football until the matter is resolved, he has seen his international career suffer.

National team coach Walter Smith decided to omit him from his squad for the double header against the Faroe Islands and Lithuania.

The commanding defender, who linked up with his new team-mates a fortnight ago, admits he is desperate to get his Wigan career started.

He said: "It's been frustrating as I have not been able to enjoy aproper pre-season.

"I really can't wait to get started and start repaying some of the faith the club have shown in me. I had just been at home working on my own trying to keep fit."

Jewell is also keen to get Webster involved and has voiced disappointment at the FA's lax attitude towards the transfer.

There was a delay in paperwork being sent to FIFA by the FA, although last night's transfer deadline does not affect the player's proposed move.

Taken from the Daily Record