Wigan manager Roberto Martinez believes he has found a "new player" in Hugo Rodallega since the closure of the January transfer window.
The Colombian striker, who is out of contract at the end of the season, was heavily linked with a move last month and Martinez admits the player's head was turned.
But no deal transpired and Martinez is pleased to have the 26-year-old, the Latics' top scorer for the past two seasons and the hero of last year's survival fight, on board for the ongoing relegation battle.
Martinez said: "Remember, every footballer is a human being.
"It is normal that you get distracted by all the speculation.
"We have seen that time after time and I am sure we are going to see it in the future.
"Now I am delighted the window is closed and we are all really focused.
"Hugo has been nothing but a great professional, bringing great standards on a daily basis.
"In the last two years we have seen what he has done on the football pitch and we need Hugo at 100%. We need him enjoying his football.
"Since the transfer deadline, in many ways, we have found a new player and we need to enjoy Hugo's quality until the end of the season."
Rodallega has scored just twice for the Barclays Premier League bottom side this season but his campaign has been affected by injuries.
He was a substitute in last weekend's draw with Everton but could come back into the reckoning to start in Saturday's crucial derby at fellow strugglers Bolton.
Martinez said: "Hugo is ready now. He had a bit of a soft tissue problem that he picked up against Man City and we had to look after that.
"Now everyone is available and wants to play.
"Hugo is no different - he is desperate to be on the pitch to help the team."
Wigan make the short journey to the Reebok Stadium this weekend but questions have again been asked about the condition of their own playing surface at the DW Stadium.
Latics have had to relay some or all of the pitch in recent seasons at around this time of year and Martinez, although not yet overly concerned, says the situation is again being monitored.
Everton boss David Moyes referred to the pitch as "heavy" last weekend and Wigan, who are five points from the safety positions, still have seven home games to play.
A number of factors have contributed to the deterioration of the pitch in the past, including severe winter weather, heavy rain and slow drainage due to the close proximity of a river.
The start of the new Super League season, with the ground also home to Wigan Warriors, could become an added complication.
Martinez said: "We are well aware and the groundstaff have done a magnificent job to keep it the way they have.
"We have to deal with two sports and extreme weather conditions.
"Every season we relay the pitch and we will have to assess that.
"If we need to relay the pitch we will do it at the right time, bearing in mind the rugby season has started and the weather conditions.
"We are a team that needs a good surface."
Should it be deemed necessary, there are potential gaps of March 4-17 and April 10-28 when neither the Latics nor Warriors have fixtures, when the pitch could be relaid.
From the rugby point of view, there are few complaints at present.
Warriors coach Shaun Wane, whose side lost their season-opener against Huddersfield at the DW on Sunday, said: "When we turn up to play the pitch is in really good condition.
"When I went out there at the weekend it still looked all right.
"I don't see what the problem is.
"We were always going to play rugby and football on there, so it was always going to happen. The groundstaff just have to deal with it."
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