Martinez Unleashes Secret Weapon

As the Latics were facing yet another defeat at Carrow Road, manager Roberto Martinez called upon Scottish international, Shaun Maloney to change the game a decision that could ensure survival.

The Malaysian born summer signing from Celtic, has faltered badly in what is now his second spell in the Premier League. He made his first team debut in the Carling Cup defeat to Crystal Palace in August and was restricted to only three appearances from the bench, before his cameo against Norwich.

Shaun Maloney 

In a performance that Martinez described as “outstanding” the Spaniard rewarded the former Aston Villa man with a place in the starting XI in the last two outings. 

His most significant contribution for the Latics came on Saturday when, after a long delay he coolly dispatched his spot kick at Anfield to set up a memorable victory which reignites the relegation battle.

Having burst onto the scene with Celtic, Maloney since has flattered to deceive. He followed Martin O’Neill to Villa Park and struggled to impose himself and swiftly returned to the SPL the following season.

He settled back down in Scotland and for a fee just short of a million, Martinez saw fit to give Maloney his second chance in the England.

For the vast majority of this season he has been the forgotten man at the DW Stadium, dogged by fitness issues his introduction at Norwich was the tonic the Latics needed.

Just like a new signing he has had a positive influence on the pitch; he is lively and crucially carries a goal threat. Alongside Jean Beausejour and Victor Moses he will create chances for the front men and his time in Scotland shows he can bag as well.

Roberto Martinez

At the age of 29 this is certainly his last chance to impress across the border and having been left on the sidelines for much of the campaign. He is now set for a run in the team until the end of the season and will look to repay the faith shown in him from Martinez.

The push for survival continues on Saturday at home to Stoke and you can expect to see Maloney in action once again and without a doubt he is going to play a huge part in the scrap and could well land himself a place in Wigan folklore.