Highly-rated Jack Hendry fits the bill at Town

The highly-rated 20-year-old, who signed for The Latics from Partick Thistle for an undisclosed fee last August, has joined Town on loan for the rest of the season.

Town have swooped after being left with only one fit centre-back – Nathaniel Knight-Percival – with Zak Whitbread and Jermaine Grandison still struggling with injury and Dom Smith away with Wales Under-21s.

Hendry, who was watched by Everton before Wigan made their move, has made three appearances for The Latics this season – all in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy – after just five games for Partick.

Hendry takes Town's loans to six – only five can be in a matchday squad – with Fulham's Jack Grimmer and Larnell Cole, Crystal Palace's Sullay Kaikai and James Wallace from Sheffield United and Kyle Vassell from Peterborough, and Mellon believes he will flourish.

"He's six feet four, quick, a good footballer and a good talker, so it's a good acquisition," he said.

"He's always been very highly rated – a lot of the bigger clubs had an eye on him and Wigan stepped in and signed him.

"He has massive desire to fulfil all the qualities he has and he's going to make sure he gets the most out of his career."

Mellon has watched Hendry play at first team and reserve level this season and had no qualms about bringing him in.

"He's continued to impress me, so when the need arose to have another centre-back, he was one I'd try to bring in," said the boss.

"Jermaine and Zak are touch and go and Dom is with Wales.

"So it's pretty much a necessity for the nine games left. He'll go into the squad, but we'll be fair with everyone."