Wigan boss Roberto Martinez gives former Manchester City defender a trial

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez gave Michael Ball a run-out in a trial game yesterday - as he looks for a new left back.

The former Manchester City defender played in a closed-door match against Burnley in a bid to impress Martinez after spending a couple of weeks training with the Latics.

Ball could give Wigan the experience they want in the position, with Erik Edman having a nightmare in the mauling at Tottenham after coming back from a long lay-off.

Wigan know that Sunderland want their first choice left back Maynor Figueroa in the transfer window and snapping up Ball would take some of the pressure filling that vacancy.