Source: PA
Youngsters have big roles to play - Martinez
Wigan manager Roberto Martinez believes the younger players in his squad hold the key to taking the club to the next level.
The Spaniard has spoken of it being "their moment" as the likes of James McCarthy and Victor Moses, both 19, are likely to see plenty more pitch time in the forthcoming campaign.
Martinez starts his second season with the Latics having brought in a number of his own players over the last 12 months, with the promise of more to come.
Despite the departures of experienced duo Mario Melchiot, the club captain, and Paul Scharner the Spaniard is confident the changes he has made to the personnel will bear fruit.
Frenchman Mohamed Diame, 23, was brought in from Rayo Vallecano last August as a virtual unknown but by the end of the season had established himself as a pivotal player in central midfield. McCarthy was held back for the first half of the campaign to allow him to find his feet at the DW Stadium but impressed in the latter months, while Moses was bought from Crystal Palace in January with a view to him having more of a role this term.
Martinez said: "This is their age and their moment in their careers. They haven't reached their full potential and showed what special talent they possess. They are starting very promising individual careers and that is very exciting. We need to make sure we help them to enjoy their football, help them to enjoy being at Wigan and develop as players so every year they are going to be stronger."
