Reto Ziegler is hoping to use a loan move to Wigan as a springboard to playing in this summer's World Cup finals.
Latics manager Paul Jewell beat off interest from a number of clubs to snap up Ziegler after he recently returned to Spurs following a spell on loan with Bundesliga side SV Hamburg.
Tottenham were unhappy with the lack of playing time Hamburg coach Thomas Doll was giving Ziegler, with the Switzerland international making just eight substitute appearances- totalling 137 minutes - in just under five months.
In joining Wigan, Ziegler - who celebrated his 20th birthday a week ago - could be pitched straight into tomorrow night's second leg of the club's Carling Cup semi-final with Arsenal at Highbury, with the Latics holding a 1-0 lead.
Jewell is without a left winger as Lee McCulloch undergoes a groin operation tomorrow, while another new recruit in David Thompson is ineligible after covering the role, and scoring on his debut, in a 3-2 win at Middlesbrough on Saturday.
As a natural left-sided player, Ziegler fits the bill perfectly, and is undaunted by the fact he could be thrown in at the deep end as Wigan look to reach the first major final in the club's history.
'I don't think anyone needs motivation to face Arsenal, and I don't think the Tottenham link makes things any different for me as far as I'm concerned,' said Ziegler.
'Arsenal are one of the best teams in Europe, and to face them in a semi-final going into the game with a 1-0 lead, is enough incentive.
'It is a big game to come into, but to be able to play a role in getting the club to its first major final would be great.
'We are a young team full of energy and hunger. There is absolutely no fear in the dressing room, and a feeling we can win every game.'
Although Ziegler has a new cause to fight for, on a personal level, the World Cup is on the horizon and he is determined to force his way into coach Kobi Kuhn's plans.
'I hope to be able to get as many games under my belt as possible because it is my dream to play in the World Cup for Switzerland,' added Ziegler, who has made three appearances for his country.
'I know if I have a good run between now and May, then of course it will help my chances.
'For a young player like me in a World Cup year, I am just anxious to play and to show everyone, the Wigan fans, the Wigan manager and the Switzerland manager Kobi Kuhn, what I can do.
'But at the moment my number one priority is to play well for Wigan, starting against Arsenal if I'm selected.'
Ziegler, though, has a lot to live up to as Jewell's three other new signings this month in Thompson, Neil Mellor and Paul Scharner have all scored on their debut.
'It's amazing they've all done that,' said Jewell. 'But he gives us decent cover. He is very good technically and he can play left back or left side of midfield.
'That's important for us. Lee McCulloch has done a wonderful job for us, but sometimes we lack balance without a natural left-footer.
'Hopefully, Reto can give us that and give us good competition for places at left back as well.'