Source: Eurosport
Martinez grateful for Rodallega's commitment
Wigan manager Roberto Martinez was grateful to striker Hugo Rodallega after the Colombian's goal beat West Ham 1-0 at the DW Stadium and ended a run of three Barclays Premier League matches without a win.
Rodallega pounced on a rebound from Jason Koumas' shot to stab home in the 55th minute - just over 24 hours after landing back in England on a trans-Atlantic flight.
The 24-year-old striker did not make the match squad for his country's 3-1 defeat in their midweek World Cup qualifier against Uruguay and was determined to make an impact against the Hammers.
However, Martinez said it was a late decision to play Rodallega as he could only assess what state the player was in on the morning of the game.
"Hugo arrived at midday yesterday (Friday) after a 12-hour flight or whatever," said the Spaniard. "He was disappointed he missed out on international duty and he came back and it didn't matter about the trip.
"But until you get up from sleeping after a long trip like that you are uncertain how your body will react but I think mentally he made sure he was ready. He told me at half-time he was going to score he was that determined and he ran himself into the ground. That is the attitude we need from players at Wigan who are desperate to win games. Hugo deserved his goal but he set the example."
