Manager Paul Jewell's side have taken 10 points from the last 15 on offer to lift themselves eight points clear of the relegation zone.

The dark days of the club's eight-game losing run now appear to be behind the Latics, although Skoko knows they are far from safe yet.

But the Australian admits in turning the corner, they have had to dig deep and pull out all the stops to get a result.

"The football is certainly not as pretty as it might be," said Skoko.

"You could say over the last four or five weeks, we've not played flairy stuff.

"They have been ugly affairs, but we've been solid, stayed tight at the back, got a goal and got a result. That has worked out great for us.

"But after a tough run over Christmas when we had a lot of hard games, now we are running into matches we believe we can win.

"We have a lot of confidence again, and we are looking up the table, although our first goal is to be safe.

"I think the team is good enough to go even further, but we will take it one step at a time."

Skoko knows he cannot afford to get carried away, appreciating the Latics could quickly get sucked back into the dogfight again.

"Everybody is happy to be eight points clear of Charlton, but we are also aware that as quickly as you go on a run, you can go on a slide," added Skoko.

"We just have to be very positive over the next two or three games and get over the line as quickly as possible."

Jewell, meanwhile, has confirmed he has had contact with Republic of Ireland manager Steve Staunton with regard to Caleb Folan.

Folan, who is apparently eligible as he has Irish grandparents, has made a significant impression since his £500,000 arrival from Chesterfield in the January transfer window.

The 24-year-old has scored two goals in his last three matches to help Wigan claim four points, prompting speculation Staunton may call him up for Ireland's forthcoming Euro 2008 qualifiers.

Jewell said: "Steve rang me on Monday. There seems to be a bit of interest in Caleb."