WIGAN boss Paul Jewell believes the now infamous spiting incident between El-Hadji Diouf and Arjan De Zeeuw will be quickly forgotten.

Diouf was memorably sent off for spitting at the Dutch defender, who was then playing for Portsmouth, but the Latics manager insisted there would be more important things to think about when the clubs meet for the first time in 12 years.

"He should probably wear a mask this time," joked Jewell, when asked if he expected De Zeeuw to seek retribution when the players come face to face this weekend.

"It is not very nice, but fortunately, it does not happen very much in football

"Arjan behaved impeccably on the day, I don't think there are many other players that would have taken that in the way he did. He is a thorough professional, and I don't foresee any problems at all.

"As far as we are concerned, the whole episode is forgotten about, and I'm sure he (Diouf) regrets what he did."

De Zeeuw was widely praised for his reaction to the incident, and Jewell said his squad have got to remain disciplined if they are to get a result against an in-form Wanderers side.

"It's something we have mentioned from the start of the season," said Jewell. We have to be disciplined because sides at this level will take advantage very quickly otherwise.

"Injuries and loss of form are part of football, but suspensions we can do without when you have a squad of our size."

The Latics have been hard to break down this season, conceding only four goals in their first seven games in league and cup and Jewell believes his defence can shut out the Wanderers attack at the JJB.

He said: "We haven't scored a million goals this season, but we have defended well all over the park, and that's what we will have to do against Bolton.

"They are a very good side, but hopefully the travelling will have taken a bit out of them, and we will be able to take advantage."