Martinez: No problem with Rodallega

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez has rubbished rumours suggesting he has fallen out with striker Hugo Rodallega.

It was reported that the 25-year-old – who has not featured off the bench for Wigan in their past three English Premier League games – stormed down the tunnel after Martinez made his final substitution in Saturday’s 2-1 victory over West Brom.

But Martinez has moved to quash any murmurs of unrest at the DW Stadium, insisting Rodallega has shown the right attitude despite his lack of first-team action.

“I wasn’t aware of that at all, and I’m sure it didn’t happen,” Martinez told the Wigan Evening Post.

“Hugo has always shown a very respectful attitude to his team-mates, and has been working extremely hard to get himself back into the side.”

“I don’t see Hugo as the kind of character who would do that kind of thing – he understands his position.”

“Of course he is desperate to be involved and to help the team, but in a healthy way and for the right reasons. And based on the hard work he’s been putting in, it won’t be long before he’s back on the field and doing what he does best.”

The forward is in the final year of his contract with Wigan, and is yet to score a goal this season – a run Martinez is hopeful will come to an end sooner rather than later.

“Hugo’s attitude, though, has always been absolutely spot on,” Martinez said.

“He hasn’t managed to score so far this season but, as I’ve always said, scoring goals isn’t just his job.”

“It should be a shared responsibility and this is a time where we have to share that responsibility.”

“Other players have come in which has allowed Hugo the opportunity to rest for a bit, and I feel the best of Hugo is still to come this season.”