Source: Team_Talk
Moreno can be ace in pack - Martinez
Roberto Martinez believes striker Marcelo Moreno could prove Wigan's secret weapon in their battle against Premier League relegation.[LNB] The Bolivia forward is still finding his feet and has not scored since joining the club on loan from Shakhtar Donetsk in January.[LNB]But Latics boss Martinez has been hugely impressed by the 22-year-old's workrate and, after a strong-running display in defeat at Manchester City on Monday, expects him to shine in the closing weeks of the campaign.[LNB]Wigan are still in need of points after their 3-0 loss at Eastlands left them just four above the relegation zone ahead of this weekend's games.[LNB]Martinez said: "People don't realise how difficult it is to come into the Premier League as a foreign player and get used to the intensity.[LNB]"I think he has adapted quicker to the tempo than we expected, and he played really well on Monday night against two very good centre-backs.[LNB]"He held the ball up well, he was a threat and had two very good shots.[LNB]"We are starting to see glimpses of the player we know he is and we are excited about what he is capable of over the next six games.[LNB]"In these situations, the player's wishes play a big part, and he feels at home here at Wigan Athletic.[LNB]"That is important from his point of view - to feel settled, to feel like this is his team - and if he can be himself on the pitch then we are in for a lot of joy to come."[LNB]Wigan travel to Fulham on Sunday hoping to become the next team to benefit from the Londoners' prolonged run in Europe.[LNB]The Cottagers rested several players at Hull last week in readiness for the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final against Wolfsburg.[LNB]With the return match to come in Germany on Thursday, manager Roy Hodgson is again expected to make a number of changes.[LNB]Martinez has been hugely impressed with Fulham's progress since Hodgson saved them from relegation two years ago.[LNB]"He is a great inspiration for all the teams at the wrong end of the table, where Fulham were a couple of years back," said the Spaniard.[LNB]"They have turned their fortunes around and they have beaten two of the best teams in Europe in Juventus and Shakhtar Donetsk.[LNB]"They are a clear example for anyone in the Premier League."[LNB]Wigan welcome back goalkeeper Chris Kirkland after a virus but midfielder Hendry Thomas is likely to miss out with a quad injury.
