Martinez taking nothing for granted and expecting exciting night at DW Stadium

Roberto Martinez insists he side will approach Wednesday night's clash with Portsmouth in the right frame of mind, ready to challenge for all three points at the DW Stadium.

After a lengthy break since their away defeat to Fulham, Latics go into the game fresh-faced and well prepared to meet the demands of the final five games of the season, and the gaffer was glad his squad had the chance to re-charge the batteries;

"We've been through a demanding period and mentally it was important to allow the players to refresh themselves and prepare for the final five games," said Martinez.

"From a fitness point-of-view we've been very happy with the standards shown since our last game against Fulham, and now we want to make sure everyone is ready for the demands we have ahead.

"We're in a position where we have three crucial games remaining at home where our form has been very consistent.

"We create a very special environment at the DW Stadium for our players to play football in, and the points we take from Portsmouth, Arsenal and Hull City games are going to be vital.

"For now we're focusing on the next challenge that Portsmouth will bring on Wednesday. It was great to see the performance they put in against Spurs in the semi-final at the weekend, because it showed the quality and the talent they have.

"Even though they are relegated through issues which at times have been out of their hands, we know we'll have to be at our very best against a competitive side.

"In the league they can afford to relax now, enjoy their football and play for the benefit of their own individual careers, and that makes them a very difficult side to play against.

"Emmerson Boyce has had some positive feedback over the last week and has joined in with the group well. Obviously we'll continue to assess him in order to give him the best possible opportunity of being a part of Wednesday night's game.

"Hendry Thomas is still 50-50 so we'll carry on judging when he is ready to come back into full training, and obviously Gary Caldwell is still missing through suspension. Otherwise we have a full squad ready for the challenge."

It has been a trying season for all concerned at Pompey but the gaffer pointed out that whilst relegation from the Premier League has been confirmed Avram Grant's team still have plenty to be competitive about;

He said; "Whilst there are many issues going on at Portsmouth our concentration is focused solely on our performance. We need reproduce the same standards we showed against Liverpool and Burnley lately, just because the opposition have been relegated doesn't lessen them as a threat.

"Individually their players have much still to play for, least of all earning a place in the Cup Final team, so overall I think it will be a very competitive game and an exciting one."