Martinez ready for 'exciting' Carling Cup challenge

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez views the Carling Cup as an "exciting" challenge for his players.

The Latics were humbled 3-0 at Manchester City last weekend and face another testing Barclays Premier League away game at Everton next Saturday.

Such matches are undoubtedly Martinez's top priority as he bids to improve Wigan's league standing after their narrow escape from relegation last season.

But the Spaniard insists he will be taking the Carling Cup seriously this term, starting with tomorrow's trip to npower Championship outfit Crystal Palace, even though he will inevitably make changes.

Martinez said: "In September we play Man City, Everton and Spurs and we are starting our Carling Cup adventure.

"It is a really demanding month but, with the amount of players we have got it is great month for us.

"I see the Carling Cup as a really exciting competition.

"We want to progress as far as we can and make sure we use these games as a really strong internal competition for places.

"We have got really good talent in the squad."

Martinez is expected to hand debuts to new signings Shaun Maloney and Patrick van Aanholt while another recent recruit, Albert Crusat, could make his first start.

"I am sure they are desperate to have a part in it," Martinez said. "They have been working really well.

"Over this week, with three games, it is guaranteed that every player is going to have a role.

"It is important they have a natural introduction into the squad.

"This week is going to be a perfect scenario for that."

Defender Van Aanholt, on a season-long loan from Chelsea, is especially likely to feature with Antolin Alcaraz, Steven Gohouri and Emmerson Boyce all missing.

Youngster Victor Moses, impressive in the opening weeks of the campaign, will be hoping to start again against his former club. Martinez expects his team to learn from their experience at the Etihad Stadium, when their unbeaten start to the season was comprehensively ended by a much superior City side.

Martinez told the club's website, www.wiganlatics.co.uk: "It is great to play against these sort of sides but we want to be critical of ourselves.

"We know we didn't play as well as we can and in every game you want to be as good as you can.

"I think we are a lot better and we need to learn quickly.

"Our potential is huge and the time to show that is in every game in the Premier League, not just the games we are expected to get something out of."

Wigan will be expected to come away from Selhurst Park with a victory but Martinez has warned his players to expect another difficult encounter.

He said: "I have been watching Crystal Palace for a while now, not just this season.

"They are really well organised. They have a good balance in their squad with experience and exciting young talent.

"They are going to give us a really tough game."