Zaki dreams of top scorer title

Following his opening five goals in as many games, and seeing his name at the top of the goal scoring charts, Zaki is already turning heads in the top flight.

The man himself said: "I live to score goals and help the team win, so life is good. I've felt comfortable quickly. The club have helped to find me a home and my family and team-mates have been good to me. It's my ambition to be The Premier League's No 1 striker and I dream of ending top scorer.

"I hope to be able to achieve this aim one day and also to help Wigan finish in a good league position - and to repay the fans by helping the team win the FA Cup or the Carling Cup."

The Egyptian has also made a big impression on his manager Steve Bruce who worked tirelessly over the summer to get his man. "A few people mocked me in the summer when I went for him but I was convinced I had found myself a quality player," said Bruce.

"His goal-scoring record at international level speaks for itself and so far he is doing everything asked of him. We are very happy with his contribution so far and he is one of those players who works hard in every game.

"He is used to playing in 30 degrees so we'll have to see how he handles the winter here. But up to now I couldn't have asked him for any more because he battles for everything and has settled in very well."

Many a journalist had a snide giggle at the comments made by Zaki before a ball was kicked, but those same writers are now somewhat impressed with the 25 year old's performances.

Today's Guardian reports that much of the Premier League Press are astounded by the Egyptian's early season form. With a deal already in place to make Zaki's current loan move permanent at the end of the season, Latics fans are hoping they have found a real gem for the future in Amr Zaki.