Wigan Athletic’s Colombian striker Hugo Rodallega could be the man to lift spirits at the DW Stadium and signal a climb up the Premier League table.

Rodallega has two games under his belt now following an early return from injury and he could have a key role to play against Fulham on Saturday.

Victory could kick-start Wigan’s season after six successive defeats. Former Wigan skipper Colin Methven realises just how important Rodallega can be in helping the Latics cause.

Methven told MEN Sport: “Rodallega has got a lot of ability and a presence about him. He’s a good player, it’s still early days and I’ve not seen too much of Wigan but I’ve seen enough of Rodallega in the past to know what he can do to teams and what he’s capable of.

“Wigan have probably had to go back to the basics after losing a number of games – they didn’t start too badly but the key is not to be too fancy and to defend strongly because there is no room for error at this level. Teams are ready to punish you.

“I saw the Bolton game on TV and some of the defending was suicidal. But they must look ahead and a home game with Fulham presents them with a great chance to play well, win and, hopefully, kick on.

“Victor Moses is also a very good player – I saw him last season and this time round he really looks  a very good player.”

For his part, manager Roberto Martinez is confident Wigan will build on what was an improved performance at Newcastle despite a 1-0 defeat.

“I believe a positive result is definitely just around the corner,” the Spaniard insisted.

“Once we get that I believe our season will kick start. No-one deserves the kind of bad luck we’ve been having but there is little point in waiting for someone else to sort it out for us.

“There’s no time to look for reasons or excuses. We have to stand up and sort out the situation ourselves.

“We have quality and talent within the squad.” Tweet