His side may have suffered a 4-0 defeat at the hands of Wigan Athletic last night, but Manager Ian McParland said afterwards his players were far from disgraced.

Looking at the scoreline, 4-0 reflects a heavy defeat, But that didn't tell the whole story as Notts produced a gutsy display against Premiership opposition.

It was only at around the hour mark that the quality of the Premiership side began to shine through.

He said: "We weren't disgraced, but I was disappointed with the goals we conceded - especially the first three.

"They were soft goals to give away.

"We knew we were going to be up against it coming up to Wigan, and I wanted the players to play with the courage we have been displayed over the last few weeks and passing it.

"I felt a few of them were a bit edgy, and maybe the occasion got to them a little.

"Don't get me wrong we created chances and were unlucky not to score."

Notts had their best chances at 1-0 down with Spencer Weir-Daley losing his footing when well placed and Richard Butcher flashing a volley wide, and McParland felt drawing level may have been a shock to the system for Steve Bruce's men.

"The two chances we had were good ones," he said. "Spencer and Butch came really close, but when you play against Premier League sides and get your chances you really do have to take them.

"If we had done, we might just have rattled them a little bit. Spencer lost his footing, and Butch was really unlucky."

Despite the defeat, McParland was keen to focus on the positives from the Second Round Carling Cup tie.

The main positive for the Scot was seeing goalkeeper Russell Hoult come through 90 minutes of competitive football after returning from the stress fracture in his right leg that ruled him out of the entire pre-season campaign.

"The positive was Russell Hoult coming through the game," he said.

"He was in a little bit of pain, but he came through so we're delighted to have him back in action.

"It has been frustrating for him. He has been itching to be involved and be part of it again, so that was good to see."

Remember you can hear Ian's full and exclusive post-match interview on Magpie World right now from last night's game, along with the thoughts of goalkeeper Russell Hoult.