Wigan have loaned South Korean midfielder Cho Won-Hee back to former club Suwon Samsung Bluewings to give the player a chance to stake his claim for a World Cup place.

The 26-year-old, signed as a free agent by previous Latics manager Steve Bruce in March, has struggled to establish himself at the DW Stadium.

However, with the World Cup in South Africa looming this summer Wigan boss Roberto Martinez has allowed Cho to return to his former club for a temporary 12-month period and he will return in January 2011.

"Cho has been a good professional for us, with a great attitude," said Martinez. "We wish him all the best in his quest to win a place in the South Korea squad for South Africa.

"We hope he performs well for club and country while he is away and look forward to welcoming him back this time next year."

Since his arrival in March Cho has managed just two Barclays Premier League starts, at Stoke last season and against Manchester United last week, and played five league matches in total.