Martinez eyes confidence booster

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez will look for some relief as he takes his side to Hartlepool in the Carling Cup on Tuesday. The Spaniard is already under pressure just two games into the new season after two heavy defeats.The Latics are bottom of the table with a goal difference of minus 10 following thrashings by champions Chelsea and promoted Blackpool.With Wigan facing another tough test next weekend at Tottenham - where they were thrashed 9-1 last season - bookmakers have cut the odds on Martinez being the next top-flight boss out of work.Defeat at League One Hartlepool on Tuesday is unthinkable for Martinez and something he could ill afford.He is therefore likely to field a strong team at Victoria Park in the hope of instilling some much-needed confidence.Martinez said: "We cannot be that weak and naive when things are not going our way, and that has been the case for the past year, not just this season."It is something we need to eradicate from our football club quickly."It is time to stop giving silly goals away and do justice to the quality we have got."Wigan overcame a poor run of form last season to successfully win their fight against relegation but their current poor trot began with an 8-0 thrashing by Chelsea in May.Martinez is urging the fans to get behind the team as they attempt to arrest their slump.He said: "I can understand the fans booing us off because it is another game we have not got any points from."I would just ask the fans to forget about the scoreline, if they can, and get behind this group of players."Defender Maynor Figueroa will miss the trip to Hartlepool after being carried off on a stretcher with an ankle injury against Chelsea.Martinez otherwise has a fully-fit squad and could include new signing Steven Caldwell, who joined the club on a one-year deal today.The 29-year-old, who was a free agent after leaving Burnley, links up with his younger brother and club captain Gary at the DW Stadium following a successful trial.Steven Caldwell said: "Gary has of course told me what the club is like and how impressed he has been with the set-up here and I am delighted to have sorted out my future now."I have already got to know the lads over the past few weeks and I can't wait to get started and fight for my place."The Caldwells are not the first brothers to be at Wigan at the same time; Warren and Wayne Aspinall were players at Springfield Park in the mid-1980s.Steven Caldwell played in a friendly against Dundee United earlier this month and Martinez has been impressed by his attitude."We have seen what Steven is all about during his time here - he is a leader on and off the field and a great personality to have in the dressing room," he said."He has shown real professionalism in his time with us and we are delighted to have him on board."He has good experience of the Premier League and has played in the Champions League and UEFA Cup, plus is a full Scotland international."He is a totally committed defender who will add fantastic competition to the squad."

Source: Team_Talk