Martinez to have final look

06 August 2009 09:08
Wigan manager Roberto Martinez has admitted the side he fields in Saturday's final friendly against St Mirren is unlikely to look much like his first XI for the opening match of the Premier League season at Aston Villa. International matches means he will be without a number of players, with Honduras internationals Maynor Figueroa and new signing Hendry Thomas face a long trip to face Costa Rica in an important World Cup qualifier. "We will be missing some players who will be away on international duty the week after, like Hendry and Maynor," said Martinez. "But it gives me an opportunity to assess the other players so close to the first league game, and that will give me some great information. "The partnerships and the understanding between the players is also starting to appear, and that takes time when you are dealing with a new squad with new players. "We need to carry on working on our fitness, but there will be more emphasis now on sharpening things up and making sure the tactical concepts are clear and getting the players ready for that first game."

Source: Eurosport