Veteran front-man Emile Heskey hit the opener ten minutes after the kick-off, when he back-heeled Luis Valencia's right-wing low cross.

Two minutes later, Valencia doubled the Latics' lead with a powerful shot from the penalty area.

On 77 minutes, Lee Cattermole put the icing on the cake to ensure the home side's superiority.

Having won the game, Steve Bruce's men advanced to the ninth place with 22 points.

Zaki's Return

Egypt marksman Zaki, who was sidelined for a short while, produced a below-average display.

The 25-year-old hasn't obviously reached peak form after recuperating from a hamstring injury.

The well-built striker was close to scoring on 44 minutes, but his left-foot volley went past the post.

He also whipped in an inch-perfect cross from the right flank, but Lee Cattermole's header was denied by the crossbar.

The former lokomotiv player has bagged eight goals in the Premiership so far.