Wigan well prepared for survival fight

Roberto Martinez believes his Wigan Athletic side are in perfect shape to fight for their Premier League future over the next three months.

Wigan are bottom of the table going into the final nine matches of the season, the first of which sees fellow strugglers Birmingham visit the DW Stadium this weekend.

The Wigan players have had a two-week break ahead of the game.

With the FA Cup quarter-finals taking centre stage last weekend, Martinez took the squad to Spain for warm-weather training and team bonding.

“There is a feeling around the squad that they have missed playing football after the two-week break,” Martinez said.

“We’ve refreshed ourselves by travelling to La Manga for a change of working environment, and now we’re all excited for Saturday’s crucial game.”

“As well as knowing how important the upcoming games are, the players must understand how they are going to get the points they are capable of.”

“The group has matured a lot this season – we’ve learnt a lot from disappointment and you could see that in our performance at Manchester City a fortnight ago, which was exceptional.”

“We were unfortunate not to get anything from the game at Eastlands, but if we continue to perform in that manner then football will give us the rewards we deserve.”

“After that frustration, the players were desperate to get back out on to the pitch.”

“But being able to switch off briefly has helped us, and the group are well prepared for the next 27 points there are to play for this season.”

Martinez has the rare luxury of a fully-fit squad at his disposal, with Emmerson Boyce proving his fitness after a hamstring problem.

“Boycey is training again with the team, and is ready to give us a massive boost,” Martinez added.

“We have a fully-fit squad and it feels great to be able to say that.”

“Everyone is desperate to play – we have good options and players in a great moment of form personally – and that is a massive positive.”