Malky Mackay believes Wigan Athletic’s fledgling frontline duo Martyn Waghorn and James McClean spell danger to Huddersfield Town.

Republic of Ireland international McClean has been a stand-out performer since switching from the wing, firing three goals in five games.

Former Leicester City player Waghorn has recovered from a shoulder injury to join McClean up front as Wigan aim to climb away from the Championship danger zone.

Mackay, chasing his second win as Wigan manager at Town’s expense at the DW Stadium on Saturday, is delighted to have Waghorn back.

The Scotsman has lost Grant Holt long-term because of the knee injury sustained while on loan at Town.

“To get another player with Championship experience (Waghorn) who has played up there back into the group was great,” said the boss.

.”They looked like they are starting to combine well together.

“Losing Grant was a massive blow, and come the end of the month, who knows where one or two of the other boys may be?

“We need to get as many experienced players into the fold as possible and Martyn falls into that category.”

Mackay says ex-Sunderland man McClean, 25, and Waghorn, 24, who cost Leicester £3m from the Wearsiders in 2010, also possess the kind of attitude he’s looking for.

“Martyn came in to see me after a few days, just to introduce himself and tell me the minute he was over his injury he would do everything he could for me,” added Mackay,

“To have the personality to come over and do that speaks volumes about the boy, and he’s always got a smile on his face, which I love.

“James is another bubbly character, and the two of them are young, keen and desperate to do well for the club.

“I want people like that here. I want people who are wanting to be here and wanting to do well.

“We need to keep adding to the squad with more and more of those types of people and players.”

Mackay has had 10 games at the helm, nine of them in the league, and Wigan are second-bottom of the table.

His sole victory was the 2-0 Boxing Day success against Leeds United at Elland Road.