Wigan defender goes on loan to Helsingborg

Wigan defender Andreas Granqvist has joined his former club Helsingborg on loan until the end of the season.

Manager Steve Bruce hopes the temporary move will allow the 22-year-old to make the Sweden squad for the Euro 2008 championships.

Granqvist has failed to make a league appearance this year after starting the first eight games of the season.

Bruce said: “This is by no means the end of the road for Andreas as far as this club is concerned.

“He is a good young player with plenty of potential. However, with the European Championships coming up in the summer, he needs first team action to have a chance of getting in the Sweden squad.

“We felt it was the fairest option for him to allow this move to go ahead.”