“IT was really cold – I couldn’t feel my fingers,” – that was the verdict of Curacao international Gevaro Nepomuceno following Latics’ 5-1 victory over Northampton.

The somewhat non-tropical surroundings of a snowy Boundary Park are slightly removed from the Caribbean, let it be said.

He added: “In the second half, I played with gloves. Now we’ve won, I will put them on again.

“But seriously, I am happy, for myself, for the team and the fans – it’s three points – and of course I’m claiming the goal.

“I saw Doyley chip it over the keeper but it was too short so I got in between two defenders and stuck it away.”

Nepomuceno reserved praise for man-of-the-match Jack Byrne whose outstanding display proved instrumental to Athletic’s victory. In this mood, the Wigan loanee is irresistible.

“Playing with Jack in midfield is amazing,” he said.

“He is always free, always searching for a pass so for a winger you are sure you will get it.”

It remains to be seen if Latics can hang on to Byrne when his loan deal expires in January.

By hook or by crook, they simply must.

Gevaro is also becoming one of the first names on the team sheet – and the longest… spellcheck is having a field day.