Wigan Athletic defender Emmerson Boyce has claimed that Saturday's 3-0 defeat to Doncaster Rovers could be a 'blessing in disguise' for the team.

The Latics saw their seven-game unbeaten run come to an end at the Keepmoat Stadium as they were comfortably beaten by Donny.

However, Boyce believes that the loss could spur the players on as they chase a playoff place in the Championship.

"A lot of people may disagree with me here, but I believe it may turn out to be a good thing for us to have a little setback," he told the Wigan Evening Post.

"Maybe we took our eyes off the ball at Doncaster, and hopefully it will act as a kick up the backside for us and get us back on track.

"It's up to the players now to pick ourselves up now and go again, and hopefully there are plenty of good times ahead of us this season."

Wigan continue their Championship campaign on January 28 when they make the trip to Middlesbrough.