Di Santo will score goals

Roberto Martinez expects a lot from new signing Franco Di Santo and wants him to get the goals that will help Wigan Athletic avoid a long and hard Premier League relegation battle this season.

The Spanish manager signed the 21-year-old Argentinean striker from Chelsea on a three-year deal on transfer deadline day.

Di Santo arrived in England in 2008 but made only eight appearances for Chelsea, and even his season-long loan with Blackburn Rovers last campaign was uninspiring as he scored only one goal in 22 appearances. He is a massive long shot to be Premier League top scorer.

Wigan endured a dismal start to their campaign, going down heavily at home to both Blackpool and Chelsea, but things started to improve as they managed to upset the football betting and win at White Hart Lane last time out.

Martinez knows it is going to be a tough season for Wigan, but he claims signing someone of the stature of Di Santo is an "important statement" for the club and the fans.

"He is someone that we want to develop but someone that we need to bring that competition up front and I think he can develop into a top, top striker in the Premier League and in world football," he said.

"We're so excited about him as a human being and as a player. Technically he's a player that is probably better than his physique, very powerful in the last third and good movement."

Coupled with the deadline day signings, many Wigan fans must be delighted that they managed to hold onto French midfielder Charles N'Zogbia.

The 24-year-old had looked destined to leave the DW Stadium, most likely for Birmingham, but the move broke down and now many Wigan fans will want N'Zogbia to offer some inspiration for the club as they look to avoid a long Premier League relegation battle for the rest of the season.