da winzada777： Roberto Martinez has backed Charles N’Zogbia to fire Wigan to safety after repelling interest from Newcastle on transfer deadline day.
da gbg bet： Newcastle had two late bids rejected for attacking midfielder N’Zogbia, who joined Wigan from Newcastle two years ago.
The Frenchman showed no sign of allowing speculation affect his performances with a dazzling display at West Brom just 24 hours later, although he could not inspire Latics to victory.
Tuesday’s 2-2 draw means the visit of Blackburn on Saturday is ‘must-win’.
But Martinez believes his Wigan squad, which should feature fit-again Antolin Alcaraz and Tom Cleverley, are more than capable thanks to their hard-line stance on deadline day.
“Our aim was to finish the window with a stronger squad than we started it, and we achieved that,” Martinez said.
“Charles probably took all the headlines, but there were plenty of others – like keeping Hugo (Rodallega), James (McCarthy), Momo (Diame), Antolin (Alcaraz) and getting Tom Cleverley to stay for the season.”
“Charles is a real asset and it was important to make a strong statement as a football club.”
“Whenever players leave, it has to be right for the football club.”
“Every player has a price and players will always come and go, but the club has to dictate that time.”
“I can’t really comment on why Newcastle came in so late – you’d have to ask them.”
“I don’t even know if it was a realistic offer or whether it was just for the press. I don’t understand it. But we never had the intention to sell Charles or any of our players.”
Defender Gary Caldwell is Wigan’s biggest doubt after breaking his cheekbone at the Hawthorns in on Tuesday.
The Scot is prepared to play with a protective mask, such is his commitment to the cause, but Martinez may not have to take the risk if Alcaraz (soft-tissue injury) and Maynor Figueroa (hamstring and calf) prove their fitness.