Final reprieve for Roberts

WIGAN striker Jason Roberts will be available for the Carling Cup final after his side’s rearranged match against Tottenham was confirmed for February 18.

An explosive finale to a 1-1 home draw with Everton led to Roberts being sent off for elbowing David Weir seven minutes from time, just three minutes after Everton striker Duncan Ferguson saw red for punching Paul Scharner.

With both players facing three-game suspensions, Roberts would have missed Wigan’s first major final when they face Manchester United on February 26. However, a Premiership match with Spurs due to be played that weekend will be played eight days earlier, allowing Roberts complete his suspension against Martin Jol’s team.