WIGAN boss Paul Jewell is urging his buoyant players not to get carried away as they head into Sunday's Barclays Premiership derby with Wanderers in ninth place.

The Latics' surprising start to the season has seen them surge into the top half of the table and last week's win at Everton drew them level on points with Arsenal.

But Jewell acknowledges his side faces a long season ahead and insists they must keep focused if they are to continue to defy the critics who backed them for relegation.

Jewell said: "If we are level with Arsenal after 38 games we will be delighted - this is a tough league and we are playing against top teams.

"Everton are struggling but are a great club and we had to match them. We believe we have good players, good organisation and a good attitude.

"We are honest and hard working. We have talented players and great desire. There is a nice blend of experience and youth here but we are not getting carried away."

One luxury for Jewell has been an increasing number of options, particularly in goal where John Filan has won his place back after injury.

Farnworth-born keeper Mike Pollitt did an admirable job for Jewell's men at the start of the season and the Wigan boss admitted it was a tough decision to axe his in-form number one.

Jewell said: "I just felt it was the right time to bring John back in. Obviously, Polly wasn't best pleased and I understand that.

"What was difficult was Polly hadn't done anything wrong and I'd told him previously if he played well, he would stay in the side.

"I went against that. I don't know why. I just had a gut feeling it was the right thing to do."