Winger relishing opportunities and looking forward to Blackpool

Scott Sinclair is hoping that he can continue to feature regularly for Latics and is eyeing Wednesday night's Carling Cup tie against Blackpool as the ideal opportunity to continue his good form.

"I'm very happy having featured in the last three games - I think I've played around half-an-hour in each of them, and hopefully if I keep my performances up and work hard I'll soon start," said Sinclair.

"I've been starting out on the left, then switching over to the right, and that's how I like to play to be honest. I'm also enjoying linking up with the forwards and creating chances, so everything's going well so far.

"If we can go to Blackpool, forget about the result at the weekend and get ourselves a win it can help us to kick-start things in the league. We have to approach the game in the right manner and make sure we're fully focused because it'll no doubt be a tough game.

"Hopefully I can get as much playing time as possible and Wednesday's game could be an opportunity for me. But there's a long season ahead and hopefully if I keep working hard I'll get my chance."

Saturday's defeat to Manchester Untied was a deflating one for all concerned, but Sinclair is confident the team can respond positively and continue to improve under Roberto Martinez's guidance.

He said: "The gaffer was obviously disappointed at the end of the game, but he told us to keep our heads up and not let it get us down.

"We started pretty well in the first-half, kept the ball and created a few chances. But they got their goal not long after the re-start and it sort of went downhill from there unfortunately.

"All the boys are commenting on how different the training has been this year and everyone is still adapting to it so although it will take time, hopefully in the next few games it will start to come together and we can get some points."