Source: Team_Talk
N'Zogbia back in first-team contention
Wigan manager Roberto Martinez feels like he has signed a new player by keeping hold of Charles N'Zogbia.[LNB] N'Zogbia looks set to return to action for the visit of Sunderland to the DW Stadium on Saturday having been left out of the squad for the Latics' last game, a 1-0 win at Tottenham played three days before the August 31 transfer deadline.[LNB]At that point the Frenchman's future appeared uncertain after Wigan had reluctantly agreed a fee for him to move to Birmingham, only for the deal to collapse when N'Zogbia altered his demands.[LNB]However, Martinez has since been impressed with the 24-year-old's attitude in training and is ready to consider him again for first-team selection this weekend.[LNB]The manager claims retaining N'Zogbia is akin to bringing in a new transfer - but as far as actual trading is concerned, Martinez believes it is "not healthy" the window should stay open after the Barclays Premier League season has started.[LNB]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 sessions.[LNB]"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.[LNB]"Having the transfer window open while competition is going on is not healthy - it doesn't help anyone, not just Wigan Athletic.[LNB]"I think you could go in every single dressing room in the Premier League and in a different manner, everyone has been affected.[LNB]"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.[LNB]"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.[LNB]"But I have been delighted with Charles' attitude. He looks focused and concentrated.[LNB]"He made the final decision to stay - it wasn't imposed on him at all, so we have signed a new player."[LNB]With the window now shut, Martinez is confident both N'Zogbia and Wigan can move on.[LNB]"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 Spaniard said.[LNB]"Now he is ready, he is focused and all he wants to do is help Wigan Athletic to carry on being competitive.[LNB]"From his position, he is ready to show everyone that he wants to enjoy his football with us."[LNB]Another player who missed the victory at White Hart Lane was goalkeeper Chris Kirkland, who had conceded 10 goals in Wigan's opening two games this season.[LNB]Ali Al Habsi performed well in his absence but Martinez stressed afterwards Kirkland did not play due to a hip problem and today confirmed having returned to full fitness, the former Liverpool stopper would be back in the squad on Saturday.[LNB]"Chris is fully fit. He is 100%, has trained really well in the last five sessions and he is going to come straight into the squad," Martinez said.[LNB]"I am probably now in the best position since I arrived here in terms of goalkeeping options, and to have someone like Ali performing in the manner that he has and then having Chris fit, that is a very strong position to be in.[LNB]"The hardest thing in life and football is to earn respect and I think Chris has done that with the performances he has had over the last few seasons.[LNB]"Sometimes he has played through the pain barrier and he has done it for the football club.[LNB]"That will always be in my mind, so whether Chris is in a good or bad moment of form, he will always be an important player for Wigan Athletic and will be straight into the squad on Saturday."[LNB]
