Source: PA
McManaman provides fresh option for Wigan
Roberto Martinez is confident Callum McManaman's emergence has spared Wigan scouring the transfer market for a new striker.
Manager Martinez shipped out underperforming summer signing Mauro Boselli on loan to Genoa earlier in the transfer window but instead of looking for a direct replacement he has opted to give 19-year-old McManaman his head.
The forward scored his first goal for the club in the FA Cup win over Hull and showed further promise with a lively display in the 0-0 fourth-round draw at Bolton on Saturday. He has been restricted to a trio of substitute appearances in the Barclays Premier League and is expected to resume bench duty when the Latics visit fellow strugglers West Brom on Tuesday.
But Martinez believes he can continue to be of use between now and the end of the year and is happy with his compliment of attacking options.
"Callum's ready for whatever role we will give him. It's not a case of relying on Callum to stay in the Premier League. But he's ready," said Martinez.
"Rather than bringing in a player without any Premier League experience, to be an extra member of the squad, I feel Callum deserves that role in the squad."
