Martinez: N'Zogbia ready for Wigan return

09 September 2010 13:00

Roberto Martinez insists Charles N'Zogbia is now fully focused on playing for Wigan and will consider the midfielder for first-team selection this weekend.

N'Zogbia almost left the Latics towards the end of the transfer window, with the club agreeing a fee with Birmingham but the deal collapsed when the 24-year-old altered his demands. Martinez left N'Zogbia out of the squad for Wigan's last game, a 1-0 win at Tottenham three days before the window closed, but the Frenchman looks set to return to action for the visit of Sunderland to the DW Stadium on Saturday.

"I feel that whatever the thoughts were and whatever the different options were that he had to consider, that is well in the past," the manager said.

"Now he is ready, he is focused and all he wants to do is help Wigan Athletic to carry on being competitive.

"From his position, he is ready to show everyone that he wants to enjoy his football with us."

Asked if N'Zogbia was in his thoughts for the Sunderland game, Martinez said: "He is, but not just because I'm saying it. It is the way he has been working in the last five (training) sessions.

"I don't blame Charles, I just blame the situation. I think the authorities in football should really look into it and we should help the players on the human side, to help them focus on concentrating on their jobs.

"Having the transfer window open while competition is going on is not healthy - it doesn't help anyone, not just Wigan Athletic.

"I think you could go in every single dressing room in the Premier League and in a different manner, everyone has been affected. It is important that the players have time to think about their futures and the next step for their families, and there is a period to do that in the transfer window.

"But it shouldn't be while competition is going on - it is disrespectful to the fans and devalues the league as a whole. We should close the window before the first game starts.

Source: PA