Callum McManaman: Uwe Rosler defends Wigan winger over 'dive'

McManaman has made 77 league appearances for Wigan since 2009

Wigan Athletic winger Callum McManaman has been unfairly branded as a diver, according to manager Uwe Rosler.

The 23-year-old was booked for simulation in Tuesday's 0-0 draw at Huddersfield, with Rosler arguing his side were denied a "clear penalty".

He told BBC Radio Manchester: "People try to give Callum a reputation.

"Defenders in the final third clearly have a problem handling him and obviously they try get in the ear of the referee."

The winger has started strongly this season, netting four times in seven Championship appearances so far, which is the same number of goals that he managed in 44 matches last term.

While McManaman was defended after Tuesday's match by Rosler and encouraged not to change his approach, the German also stressed that the player needs to curb his theatrics when fouled.

"Callum has to keep on doing what he does best, taking defenders on," said the 45-year-old Latics boss.

"Maybe the way he falls is a little bit too spectacular. He needs to try and stay on his feet as much as he can, but when there is contact, there is contact.

"He shifted the ball, the defender was too slow, put his leg out and there was contact."

Rosler was also critical of referee Seb Stockbridge for failing to award two other penalties in the 0-0 draw against Chris Powell's Terriers.

"There were three penalty situations - two of them were clear penalties," he said. "We didn't get what we deserved. In the second half we had two clear handballs - I saw it on the DVD."