Wigan manager Roberto Martinez believes returning centre forward Mauro Boselli is set to take the Barclays Premier League by storm in the absence of Victor Moses.
The 27-year-old Argentine returned to the Latics from loan spells at Genoa and Estudiantes and was handed his first start on Tuesday in the Capital One Cup win over Nottingham Forest.
Boselli scored the opening goal, and with Franco Di Santo and new signing Arouna Kone, who both netted in last weekend's win over Southampton, Martinez is confident his new-look strike force will prosper with Moses' move to Chelsea now complete. Martinez said: "We are very, very exited about Mauro."
He continued: "Mauro had a difficult period in the previous two seasons but mentally he's come back really refreshed and I think his experience in Argentina has helped him to be desperate to come to Wigan Athletic and be successful.
"What we saw [against Forest] he's been doing in pre-season. He's been scoring in every game he's played. His movement in the box is of someone very special in front of goal."
Wigan dominated Forest in the first half before the home side hit back through Simon Cox's thunderbolt strike, but Callum McManaman's 90th minute score sealed a dominant 4-1 win for the Premier League side.
However, Martinez was especially pleased to see Boselli make an impact with a strong presence in the box and a goal to show for his efforts. Martinez said: "A typical goal-scorer needs to get an advantage into a defender and probably what Mauro does really well in that box is he comes alive.
"He sees that space and obviously you need good service. I thought Ronnie Stam's ball was outstanding, but you always need goal-scorers and a goal-scorer is precious.
"I think he's happier now than he's ever been in the previous pre-seasons. I see him now with a bit of light in his eyes.
"He's desperate to work hard for the team and have an opportunity in the league. Nights like that help him towards achieving that."
Source: PA
