Wigan winger Kevin Kilbane admits he is a fan of former Latics boss Paul Jewell - but insists no favours will be granted this weekend.Jewell makes his first return to Wigan since quitting the club last May as his current side Derby visit the JJB Stadium on Saturday.

Kilbane enjoyed a good relationship with Jewell after being signed from Everton in the summer of 2006 but the 31-year-old has no time to dwell on any reunion.

With Wigan just a point above the Premier League relegation zone, Kilbane has his sights set only on claiming three crucial points at the expense of the bottom side.

The Republic of Ireland international said: "I was certainly pleased when he signed me. He brought me in and I give him the utmost respect.

"I am sure he will get a great reception because of the job he has done at the club but we need to forget about all those sort of things and try to take three points off him.

"If I see him I will shake his hand and wish him all the best but that is as far as it goes. We are out to beat him and he will be the same coming here."

Jewell oversaw Wigan's rise from the old Second Division to the top flight and also led them to a Carling Cup final during his six years in charge at the club.

He stepped down after Wigan secured their Premier League status with a dramatic final day win at relegation rivals Sheffield United last season.

Kilbane has fond memories of that day but would like safety guaranteed much earlier this term.

He said: "I certainly don't want to be in that position again.

"It was a great day for us after the result went for us but we want to get the points on the board now and hopefully be safe before we play Manchester United on the last game of the season.

"We need to be picking the points up now rather than later."

Wigan have had a fortnight to mull over their defeat at Sunderland last time out having not been in action last weekend.

"It does seem like a long time ago," added Kilbane, who has played recent games at left-back. "Certainly after a defeat you want to get back playing.

"We have had a lot to dwell on over the last couple of weeks but we are looking forward to it now, it is a big game.

"We are back at home, we are expected to get three points and hopefully we can do that."

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