Martinez backs Di Santo to succeed

03 September 2010 15:30
Wigan manager Roberto Martinez is confident he can draw out new signing Franco Di Santo's potential despite the striker so far struggling to establish himself in England. The Brazil Under-20 international joined the Latics on a three-year contract from Chelsea minutes before the transfer deadline closed on Tuesday. His permanent move was something of a surprise but Martinez said it benefited the Latics as he now had a player to work with long-term rather than just for one season. "It is exciting because in any loan situation you do not have the bigger picture and the long-term ambition," said the Spaniard. "It is not just a matter of getting him up to speed and then losing at the end of a 12-month period. It is important that from all the young players we are developing here we get rewards. "To have Franco here as a permanent player is a great signing for us as we can really focus on his development and fulfilling his potential so Wigan can get the rewards."

Source: PA