Martinez: We don´t blame Rodallega

Wigan Athletic manager Roberto Martinez insists Hugo Rodallega will bounce back from his moment of madness against Everton.

The club’s top scorer gifted a point to Everton on Saturday by giving away a penalty and Wigan were pegged back from their lead to draw 1-1.

Relegation-threatened Wigan cannot afford another slip-up as they are still in the bottom three ahead of Saturday’s trip to Aston Villa.

Martinez said: “We are all disappointed with what happened, but Hugo has the full support of everyone at the football club.”

“He is a very strong character, and he’ll win many points for us in the future.”

“His performance against Everton was very, very good.”

“His action reflected the responsibility and the tension that games this time of year come with, and it’s important we all learn from it.”

“Experiences like this make you a better player, and hopefully he can carry on working hard and scoring goals.”

“Hugo is a very positive person, but it was a difficult moment for him as you can imagine.”

“To work so hard and not be able to finish with a winning feeling is hard to take.”

“But Hugo has a strong group of players around him and he’s ready to get rid of that frustration as quickly as possible.”

Martinez is sweating on the fitness of key duo Charles N’Zogbia (dead leg) and Momo Diame (groin) ahead of the Midlands trip.

The pair both picked up knocks in that Everton draw and face a race against time to recover for Saturday’s game.

“We have been treating them and will see how they progress during the week,” Martinez said.

“It is important we give them as long as we can before we can make a decision.”

“I have got a feeling it will end up being a really, really late call on them both, and we are prepared for that.”

“Both players are absolutely desperate to be involved and help the team – I love that kind of attitude.”

“But we have to make the right decision for all parties, whatever it is, that will enable us to win the football match.”