Ferdinand was paired alongside Nyron Nosworthy at the heart of defence with his fellow arrival from West Ham United George McCartney also in a new-look defensive line-up.

"I enjoyed every minute of it - it would have been nice to keep a clean sheet, so the goal was disappointing, but I was fairly happy with the way it went," Ferdinand said after the 1-1 draw.

"We're pleased to come away with something - especially at a place like Wigan where it's not just a game, it's a battle.

"The lads showed great character to get a draw and we could have come away with the win, we had a couple of chances to do so.

"Come the end of the season, we could be in the top 10 and fighting for things up there and points like this will make a lot of difference."