Norweigen defender Erik Hagen was the only transfer to be completed on transfer deadline day by Latics boss Steve Bruce who managed to keep hold of defender Paul Scharner.

32 year old Hagen has been plying his trade in Russia with Zenit St. Petersburg. Speaking about his addition Bruce said: "Erik is a player who lives for defending. He is anexperienced inter-national and no stranger to the big occasion.

"The lad is aggressive, fanatstic in the air and can read the game well. He is a leader on the field and he will bring tremendous competition at the back for us.

"I wouldn't have brought him here unless I thought he had the attributes to be a hit in the Premier League."

Hagen will go into the squad for Saturday's game with West Ham United and is hoping for a chance with the Latics.

He said: "Yes I was delighted when everything was solved. "Age [Hareide] knows Steve Bruce and recommended me to go there and that made it all easier.

"Age told Bruce what kind of player I am and Bruce wanted an old head in his defence, one with experience and knows what's happening. I take that as a compliment that he chose me and I hope I get a lot of time on the pitch."