Former Ipswich Town loanee Ryan Tunnicliffe says it’s going to be exciting playing for Uwe Rosler’s promotion-chasing Wigan Athletic side during the season finale.

Tunnicliffe made 29 appearances for the Blues in the first half of the season while on loan from boyhood club Manchester United. The 21-year-old was recalled by the Red Devils towards the end of January though and sold to Premier League club Fulham where he linked back up with his former United youth team coach Rene Meulensteen.

Things started well for the hard-working youngster at Craven Cottage as he started in 2-2 draw at Old Trafford as well as a narrow 3-2 home defeat to Liverpool. Meulensteen was sacked just 74 days into the job though and replaced by Felix Magath. Tunnicliffe suddenly found himself out of favour and made available for loan.

It’s understood that Mick McCarthy was keen on bringing him back to Portman Road, but that the draw of going to Wigan – one point off the play-off places with a game-in-hand – was too big for the Bury-born player.

“It’s an exciting new chapter in my career, the new manager at Fulham has allowed me to come here on loan and my aim is to just get out there and play as many games as I possibly can,” said Tunnicliffe.

“I played for Ipswich Town in the first half of the season and when I was 18-years-old I played 30 times for Peterborough United in the Championship.

“I’m hoping to add a few more to the 60 or so games I’ve played so far at this level and I’m hungry to help the team achieve its aims.”

He continued: “Being a north west lad I recognise that it’s a great time to be here, especially with the play-off push on right now and I’m just looking forward to playing.

“I know the surroundings at the DW Stadium already having played here for Ipswich earlier on in the season.

“I’m fortunate enough to have played here and got a feel for the place before arriving at the club and I could sense back then that it was a good environment.”

With Rosler and saying his new midfield man will ‘add a new dimension to our play’, Tunnicliffe returned the compliment and was clearly impressed by his new manager.

“I think the gaffer wanted to get to know me as a person before signing me,” he said.

“We met up and I went away from our meeting very impressed with what he had to say and with his thoughts on how to play football.

“He’s an impressive man and he clearly knows what he’s talking about, it’s going to be exciting to play for him.”

Tunnicliffe added: “I’m coming into a side which is in great form and have won a lot of games recently.

“I get the feeling that the general mood of the club is that everyone will pull together to get into those places and hopefully try to win promotion.”