Soccer:Wigan midfielder James McCarthy is poised to feature for the first time in three months tomorrow night after making a quicker than expected comeback from his ankle injury. The Republic of Ireland midfielder was an unused substitute for Wigan at the weekend.

Although the youngster is unlikely to start the home clash with Aston Villa, he is expected to come off the bench at some stage as he looks to rediscover his excellent form at the start of the season.

Goalkeeper Chris Kirkland is also available after recovering from a head injury but Wigan will be without captain Gary Caldwell for tomorrow’s match at the DW Stadium. Caldwell faces a one-match ban following his dismissal in the 3-0 defeat at Arsenal on Saturday, the ninth red card of his career.

With fellow centre-back Antolin Alcarez also now ruled out for two weeks with a soft tissue injury, it means Steven Caldwell and Steve Gohouri form the pairing at the heart of the defence.