Premier League survival is Wigan's priority, says Alcaraz

Although the defender is delighted that the Latics have reached the Wembley-hosted FA Cup semi-finals, he warns that the club's continuing top-flight status is of most importance

Antolin Alcaraz has insisted that Premier League survival is Wigan's main priority despite reaching a first ever FA Cup semi-final.

The Latics currently lie 18th, three points adrift of safety having played a game less than 17th-placed Aston Villa, and host Norwich and travel to fellow relegation strugglers QPR before their trip to Wembley.

Wigan are set to face Championship side Millwall on April 13 and the defender is delighted by the achievement, but urged his team-mates to concentrate on avoiding relegation before setting their sights on possible cup success.

"We have Wembley to look forward to but for me the most important game is always the next one and that is Norwich City," Alcaraz told the Wigan Evening Post.

"We will worry about the FA Cup when it comes around next month. For now we must concentrate on the league because there are some important games coming up.

"We have shown in the last few games that we can win games in this league and we must keep that up if we are to move away from the bottom of the table."

Alcaraz has been restricted to just seven appearances this term following a six-month injury-induced absence, and the Paraguayan is keen to prove his worth before the end of the season.

"My season only really started two weeks ago," added Alcaraz.

"Everything before that I have forgotten about because it was not so good. Fortunately there is still time for me to make a difference - and I hope that is the case."