Mido excited by prospect of Wigan's all-Egyptian partnership

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Wigan's new loan signing Mido is looking forward to forming an all-Egyptian strike partnership with Amr Zaki, but insists he will not be trying to fill Emile Heskey's boots.

The 25-year-old was brought in from Middlesbrough on Friday to replace the England international, who completed a £3.5m move to Aston Villa. Both players are strong centre-forwards but Mido is planning to bring his own style to the team.

"Heskey is a great player, one of the best strikers in the country, but I believe I should concentrate on my own game," Mido said. "I know if I do well and play my own game, everyone will be happy with me."

Mido will make his debut against Liverpool tonight alongside Zaki, who is also on loan until the end of the season. He hopes the pair can forge a successful partnership that can fire the seventh-placed Latics into contention for Uefa Cup football.

He added: "Wigan have a great team at the moment. The team is working very hard and is solid on the pitch and hopefully I will add to that and we can finish in a European place. It always makes it easier if you go to a new place and play with a guy who you have been playing with for years. I'm glad he [Zaki] is here and hopefully me being here will add to his game."

Mido may be alone among Steve Bruce's three new signings to feature against Liverpool as Colombia striker Hugo Rodallega is awaiting international clearance from Mexican club Necaxa and ex-Crystal Palace midfielder Ben Watson is not match fit. The Wigan manager faces a tough task, having sold Heskey and midfielder Wilson Palacios to Tottenham, while winger Antonio Valencia (hamstring) and goalkeeper Chris Kirkland are doubtful, and defender Titus Bramble is suspended.