Shaun Maloney has urged his Wigan Athletic teammates to ensure that the club survives in the Premier League this season.

The Latics appeared to be heading for the drop at the end of February as they were entrenched within the relegation zone.

However, recent victories over Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal and Newcastle United have left Roberto Martinez's side outside of the drop zone with just two matches remaining.

Former Celtic attacker Maloney has called upon the Wigan playing squad to make the most of the opportunity that they have created for themselves.

"A couple of months ago a lot of people were writing us off. We knew we had it all to do, particularly with the fixtures we had," said the Scot. "Could we have believed it? If you'd looked at it at the start of that run, no, probably not.

"To beat Manchester United at home and then go to Arsenal, those are games from which we probably didn't expect to pick up six points. That has been a massive bonus.

"We've a right good chance of staying up. We must not waste it."

Maloney found the net as Wigan defeated Newcastle 4-0 on Saturday afternoon.