KEVIN Nolan fears neighbours Wigan will struggle to plug the midfield gap caused by Per Frandsen's injury blow.

The former Reebok favourite, who joined the Latics on a one-year contract in the summer after beeing released by Wanderers, could be out for the rest of the season after suffering knee ligament damage in the Coca-Cola Championhsip game against Sheffield United a fortnight ago.

News of Per's plight stunned his old team-mates, none more so than Nolan who considered the great Dane as a role model when he was breaking into the first team ranks.

The young midfielder had tipped Wigan for the top when Frandsen joined them but now he says he will be sorely missed.

"I couldn't believe it when I heard about the injury," Nolan said. "I can only wish him a speedy recovery.

"Wigan have lost the best player in the division in my opinion. I couldn't understand the gaffer letting him leave here but Wigan got a great player.

"Paul Jewell (Wigan's manager) won't be able to replace him."