By Julian Shea

Ashton's form was one of the best things about 2006 for Wigan

Wigan full-back Chris Ashton says he hopes he can learn as much from new team-mate Michael Withers this year as he did from Kris Radlinski in 2006.

Ashton, 19, filled Radlinski's shoes at the start of last season and he said playing with the greats was a thrill.

"Michael's here to help me as much as anything else because he's played in some big games and won big trophies like Kris did," he told BBC Sport.

"Now Kris has gone, Michael's here to help turn me into a better player."

Interview: Wigan coach Brian Noble

Ashton began last season as first-choice full-back, replacing the veteran Radlinski after his injury-enforced retirement.

But as the Warriors made a disastrous start to the season, Radlinski made an unpaid comeback to ensure they escaped the relegation mire.

"It was a bit confusing at first, but Kris rang me when he said he was coming back to tell me it wasn't to steal my place, so that put me at ease," said Ashton.

"But seeing him standing at centre when I was in his old position was a bit weird!

"I used to love watching him play, and he used to tell me before the game things to look out for and to watch for, so he passed on his experience to help us all pull through."

Ashton ended the season with 14 tries in 28 starts, and short-listed for the Super League young player of the year award.

I may have the number one shirt but it's only my second year so I won't take it for granted Chris Ashton

So outsiders may think it is a bit harsh that coach Brian Noble has drafted in vastly experienced former Bradford full-back Withers - but Ashton does not take that as any kind of slight on his ability.

"It seems like they're always looking for someone to back me up," he said.

"Michael Withers is very versatile, but Nobby says he's not there to steal my shirt, that's why I've got the number one shirt.

"The coach says he's not going to play on reputations, if you play well one week then you're in the next.

"That's what he's said to us all - everyone's covered by someone, we all have to be on their toes, I may have the number one shirt but it's only my second year so I won't take it for granted."

Ashton made his debut in the final Super League game of 2005, before establishing his reputation last season, emerging as one of the bright points as Wigan flirted with relegation.

But he says it was an educational experience for the young side and they will show the benefits this season.

"Because it was my first year, I was more interested in making an impression and staying in the team, so it was only as the weeks went on and we were at the bottom for a few more weeks that I realised we needed to start doing something," he said.

"By the end of the year we were miles closer as a team and only a couple of wins away from the play-offs, so I hope that form continues this year.

"From pre-season, it looks like like we can carry on from where we left off.

"Personally, there's a bit of an issue with the defensive side of my game, so I'd like to work on that really hard this year.

"I was happy with how last season finished for me and for the team, but it was only my first season, so it's the second season that shows whether you're good or not."