Wigan must show ambition or I'm off, says Scharner

Centre-back Scharner has a year remaining on his contract at the end of this season, which is certain to alert a number of clubs.

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The 28-year-old Austrian has been impressive since manager Steve Bruce requested he switch to the heart of the defence from central midfield following his arrival.

Scharner has since played a pivotal role in Wigan's rise away from the Premier League relegation zone, with the club eight points clear with five games remaining ahead of Monday's clash with Chelsea.

It would be no surprise if Scharner, who was the subject of two rejected bids from Fulham in January, again became a target.

Bruce, though, is determined to keep Scharner, and is to sit down with the defender in the summer to discuss a new contract.

But Scharner, whilst impressed with what Bruce has achieved so far, will be demanding to know the ambitions of his manager and the club.

"I'm happy, but let's have a look at what the future brings, and what the club's targets are," confirmed Scharner to PA Sport.

"Personally, I am a player who always tries to progress and develop.

"Hopefully, Wigan want to progress into the top half of the table over the next couple of seasons, and if so, then we can talk about everything."

Scharner initially signed for Wigan midway through the club's momentous first top flight season in 2005-06 when they reached the Carling Cup final and finished 10th in the Premier League.

Since then the Latics have struggled, narrowly avoiding relegation on the final day of last season, before enduring another fight for survival this campaign.

Scharner concedes to being disappointed, adding: "Especially with this season because I expected much more than us fighting against relegation.

"But we're in this position now and we all have to stay together, sort it out, and then let's look at next season."

Scharner has at least been delighted with his form since agreeing to Bruce's proposal to revert to centre-back, a position he played in the second half of his final season at Brann Bergen in Norway.

"That is when Steve first saw me play, and why he now plays me in this position," added Scharner.

"He also asked me to play there because he needed help in defence as we were conceding too many goals.

"So I said 'no problem' and that if the team needed that help then I would be happy to play there.

"When someone like Steve asks you, someone who made his name as a player in the centre of defence, you are not going to argue.

"I needed a couple of games to build up my confidence, and now I have played 17 or 18 in this position, so I'm really enjoying it.

"I'm far happier now."