WIGAN Athletic skipper Jason De Vos claims Latics' start to the season could determine their survival hopes.

The Division Two champions kick off their first season in the First Division at Millwall on Saturday, confident that they can build on last year's 100-point campaign and consolidate their place in the Nationwide elite.

But Canadian captain De Vos insists they need to hit the ground running to avoid being cut adrift at the bottom.

"A good start is very important. We showed that last year," he said.

"You don't win or lose anything in the first couple of months but you can put yourself in a pretty good position."

While this year may be a venture into the unknown for Wigan as a club, many of the players have experience of higher division football that could prove vital in steering them to safety.

John Filan, Blackburn; Andy Liddell, Barnsley; Peter Kennedy, Watford, and Matt Jackson, Everton, have all played in the Premiership while Nicky Eaden, Birmingham, and Tony Dinning, Wolves, have enjoyed spells in the First Division.

"We aren't afraid of anyone," said De Vos.

"We will respect every team -- and there are some very good ones in this division -- but we are very confident and believe in our ability."

"There is plenty of experience throughout the side, with quite a lot of players who know exactly what's needed to play at a higher level.

"What they have to stress to the young guys is that their mistakes of last season can not be repeated in this league. If they are, they will be punished and the ball will end up in our net."