Martinez to assess globetrotting squad

Posted Sunday, October 18, 2009 by PA

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez will assess the fitness of his various international players before selecting his squad for the visit of Manchester City.

Honduras pair Hendry Thomas and Maynor Figueroa - who helped book a World Cup place with a midweek victory over El Salvador - Colombia striker Hugo Rodallega and Trinidad and Tobago forward Jason Scotland have all had long trips back from South and Central America.

Martinez is not aware of any injuries to his international contingent so only has to decide what shape they are in terms of general match fitness.

Martinez admits he can only dream about having the spending power of City - but accepts he has to be cleverer in his recruitment policy.

While City boss Mark Hughes shops in football's equivalent of exclusive boutiques, Wigan will always be found looking to pick up bargains in discount stores.

It is the nature of the modern game that, without a rich benefactor or a global marketing arm, smaller clubs have to be more careful with their money.

This summer Martinez's transfer outlay was less than a 10th of City's, but the Spaniard admits he is building for the future and does not have the pressure of having to produce instant success.

"In the market nowadays there are always places to spend money," said the Latics boss. "There are exciting leagues around Europe and South America which have some special players, who are very expensive. If you have money you can find a way to spend it, but it is not something I am jealous about.

"We need to look for different players, go for the `potential' market and players who are hungry. That is what we have got - and with a bit of time, games against the likes of Manchester City will allow us to grow and fulfil our potential."

Hughes will monitor the fitness of six of his squad.

Kolo Toure (heel), Craig Bellamy (groin), Joleon Lescott (calf), Pablo Zabaleta (hamstring), Martin Petrov (knee) and Nigel De Jong (knock) are all struggling with injury.

With Robinho already sidelined with a stress fracture of the ankle, Hughes could be down on numbers at the DW Stadium.

Ahead of the game Hughes has saluted the club's "marked improvement" away from Eastlands.

The Citizens have accrued seven points on the road this season after amassing only 11 in the whole of last campaign.

Hughes' charges travel to Wigan searching for their third away victory in five outings.

The Welshman said: "We have more more players with Premier League experience, who have an understanding of what is needed to win games at this level.

"We look more solid. Sometimes you have to dig in more when you are away in the Premier League and we have been able to do that. We are pleased at how this are going in that respect. It is a marked improvement."