Huddersfield Town v Wigan Athletic - Terriers welcome back their leaders

That is the unequivocal view of manager Danny Cowley, who has key defender Christopher Schindler and talismanic midfield pivot Jonathan Hogg to call upon for today’s meeting with the Latics – over three months on from when they were originally scheduled to host the Lancastrians.

Cowley, whose side are four places and three points above the Championship relegation zone, said: “Hoggy was injured prior to lockdown and was actually unavailable and so was Christopher Schindler.

“We are in a better position this Saturday than we were back then.

“Hoggy is such a powerful boy and is unbelievable. He trains so hard, so we have to be careful with him – he is all or nothing and you have to manage his training during the week, so he does not leave it all on the training pitch as he’s such a winner.

“Some of his numbers in lockdown were frightening and he did some hard sessions.”

Alongside Hogg, Town will also be counting upon the energy and thrust of Lewis O’Brien coming to the fore in the weeks ahead, with the young midfielder having been at the heartbeat of everything good on the pitch this season.

Refreshed after a break, O’Brien is now assigned with finishing an outstanding first campaign at Championship level in fitting fashion and Cowley is confident he will do just that.

The Terriers chief commented: “Lewis has come back and looks as good as he was before. He was exceptional in the Middlesbrough (friendly) game and played with such an abundance of energy.

“When I shut my eyes and think of Huddersfield Town, I think Lewis carries the DNA of what we want to become as a young player coming through at the club who has a real love for the club.

“He has an incredible determination, energy and resilience. He’s a good kid.”

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