Gaffer previews Blackburn match and a busy schedule coming up for Latics

Latics travel to Ewood Park on Wednesday night hoping to overtake Blackburn Rovers in the Barclays Premier League and get a busy period in the season off to a flyer.

Manager Roberto Martinez knows how critical a point in the season this is, but explains that his squad are looking a lot stronger and are excited about the challenge ahead.

"There are a lot of teams from the side end of the table facing each other over the next week, and from now on every point is going to be as big as the last," said Martinez.

"We're getting to that point in the season where every point gained and lost has a big influence on the table, and we have to be aware of that.

"It's exciting how the table has shaped during the first-half of the season, there are a lot of teams separated by very small margins and that's why every single game is decided by the smallest of details.

"So it's important we stay concentrated, have the right intensity in our play and make sure we're ready physically and mentally for every single game.

"We've a number of exciting games coming up, first of all against Blackburn, a team we played not too long ago and because of that we know each fairly well. It's going to be a proper derby between the two sides and we'll make sure we're ready for the challenge.

"We're looking strong at the back, and everywhere else around the pitch at the moment. It's important to carry on from where we left off at Notts County.

"As disappointing as the first-half was it was great to get that reaction for the second 45 minutes. It was a big day for everyone at Notts County and to comeback in that kind of atmosphere, find the solutions on the pitch and score two goals was very pleasing.

"That's an aspect we need to keep adding to the squad, because earlier in the season we would have found it difficult to find a way back into the game, but that's changed now.

"Blackburn are on the back of a very good result against Fulham, they are a physical side and have the ability to score goals from half chances. They are a big threat from set-pieces as well so we'll have to stay concentrated and make sure we're ready to match that battle."

The gaffer also gave us the latest injury news:

"Obviously Hendry Thomas is back from suspension and everyone is fit and available except for Chris Kirkland.

"Chris was unfortunate to suffer a injury to his sternoclavicular joint around his collarbone during a training session. We got better news than expected when he was diagnosed, but we expect him to be out for a couple of weeks at least.

Thankfully we have good competition in that area which is important. It's a sign that from now on we're going to need the help of every single player in the squad, those options are important and then we'll let the football make the decision."

Latics are so far unbeaten in 2010, achieving consistency Martinez is eager to build on during the second-half of the season, and he indicated that the improvements his squad have made equips them well to finish strong this season:

"There are a lot of areas we've improved on drastically, and when you achieve that it allows you reach that level of consistency.

"We've been working hard towards that goal and I think in the last few games there has been a clear indication of the strength we now have compared to earlier in the season.

"It's important to keep this run going because we've got a huge amount of games coming up now in February, the shortest calendar month.

"In a way it will be good for the new faces to familiarise themselves with the club faster and find their feet quickly, and overall we'll try to find the right pace during this time, making sure we meet the demands that are thrown at us.

"The intensity of our training during this time is important. First of all you need to avoid injuries, and you must remember that the competition is just as important as the recovery time.

"We must make sure the players recover in the right way, mentally and physically, but it's going to be an exciting time for the players as well with so many games coming up.

"It's an important period for Wigan Athletic and we need to experience it together, as a club, showing the same kind of support there was a t Meadow Lane to give us the strength to succeed."