Roberto Martinez has challenged Jason Scotland to follow in the footsteps of Ryan Giggs and become a Premier League golden oldie.
More than a few eyebrows were raised in the summer when Martinez shelled out around £2m to bring the 30-year-old striker with him to Latics from Swansea City.
Despite boasting a prolific record – he has averaged better than a goal every other game for Dundee United, St Johnstone and the Swans since 2003 – Scotland remained an unknown quantity at the highest level.
Martinez, though, has remained steadfast in his belief that the Trinidad and Tobago hotshot could, and would, make his mark at Wigan.
After starting the campaign on the bench, Scotland was drafted into the side for the victory over Chelsea, since when he has taken to the top flight like a duck to water.
And Martinez believes Scotland's late start in the game means his age can only be used as a rough guide when it comes to assessing his career longevity.
"Jason is 30-years-old, but football-wise he is very, very young," Martinez said.
"The hunger he has got and the desire to be successful in the Premier League allows him to see beyond his age.
"Every player is completely different. Jason started playing at 18, and I would say that is probably a bit late.
"He only arrived in Britain at the age of 24 because of work permit problems, but he is only six years old in the British game and that's how I see it.
"I believe that the best years in his career are in front of him, which is very rare but obviously there is a clear reason why."
Martinez also pointed to Manchester United and Wales legend Giggs as proof that there is life after 30 – and, in the winger's case, 35.
"I believe Jason will get even better over the next few months and years at Wigan Athletic," Martinez added.
"There are not many like Ryan Giggs in world football, but it does show you nowadays that if you look after your body then age is not a problem.
"The older you are, the more experienced and mature you are, and the easier your job becomes on the pitch."
Martinez was full of praise for Scotland's performance against John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho as Latics rocked Chelsea last month.
And, with his policy of picking the side on form rather than reputation, he admitted the shirt is now Scotland's to lose.
"We've got a very healthy competition in the dressing room, and they make all the decisions with their daily standards and the performances on a matchday," Martinez explained.
"What we have seen from Jason is we have strikers who are desperate to play for Wigan Athletic, and that is a great situation to be in.
"We have a lot of different dimensions, and as a squad of players you cannot ever be predictable."