Martinez´s pride in Wigan win

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez said he was proud of the performance of his players in Sunday’s 2-1 win over fellow relegation battlers Wolves.

Goals to Hugo Rodallega and Tom Cleverley gave Wigan a 2-0 lead before Steven Fletcher’s late strike ensured a few anxious moments in the closing stages.

But Martinez’s side held on for all three points to see them climb out of the bottom three, while Wolves slumped to the bottom after West Ham’s 3-1 win over Fulham.

Martinez was impressed by the way his players handled the pressure of their precarious league position.

“It was important we knew how to play such an important game because we know even if you are trying to concentrate on your performance the significance of the points is always going to affect you,” Martinez told Sky Sports.

“I was extremely proud of the manner in which the players handled that and especially in the first half we were well-organised and we looked a threat in the last third, so overall a very important performance away from home.”

Martinez said he was keen to keep in-form midfielder Cleverly, whose third goal in four games has prompted speculation the 21-year-old loan signing could be recalled by parent club Manchester United when the January transfer window opens.

“We need to see Tom enjoying his football and as you see he’s getting better with every game and I’m sure that’s going to be great for his development,” Martinez said.

“Tom is going to be an outstanding footballer but he’s still a young man and he’s going to get a lot of focus because he’s English.”

“For now he needs to focus on himself and the team and make sure he enjoys his time with Wigan Athletic.”

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy lamented some poor defending from his side, but claimed Wolves were denied a certain penalty and should have made the most of their own opportunities.

“We will never know how we really would have played,” McCarthy said.

“We were 1-0 down from a corner kick and we made two mistakes and we got punished for them.”

“They were both poor goals to concede and we had the ball on both occasions.”

“I think we had a stone-wall penalty turned down and I think we should have scored from a free-kick and then we committed suicide by giving the second goal away.”