Last Updated: Tue, 21 Feb 2012 10:42
Carlos Cuellar has hailed the impact loan man Robbie Keane has had at Aston Villa and wants to make it a winning farewell at Wigan.
Villa's Spanish defender has been impressed with the Republic of Ireland international striker since he made the short-term switch to Villa Park in January from LA Galaxy during the MLS close-season.
And, despite playing only six games for Alex McLeish's men, Cuellar claims Keane has become a popular figure in the squad and with the fans.
Therefore he feels it is only fitting that the players go all out to end his spell at Villa Park with three points against Roberto Martinez's struggling Latics this weekend.
On Keane, who has scored three goals during his time at the Midlands outfit, Cuellar told the club's website: "We need to say to him thank you for your performances.
"It is really a sad to lose him because he is playing so well and he has been very important for us.
"But we will try to win for him as well as for ourselves."
On the prospect of Villa coping with Keane's absence, Cuellar added: "He has been a big help for us because he has scored goals and his movement between the lines has been excellent.
"But we had players who have been doing the same job before.
"If we had a choice we would prefer him to stay than go back.
"But we have got players who can come in and step up."
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