Martinez looks to tough season opener against Blackpool tomorrow

With just one day to go before the big kick-off against Blackpool at the DW Stadium, Roberto Martinez is delighted with how his players have approached their pre-season work, confident they are ready for a tough opener.

"Over the last week we've seen man of our players representing their countries all over the world, and it was very pleasing to see them return to Wigan with no injury-worries," said Martinez.

"Steve Gohouri joined up with the Ivory Coast squad but didn't feature after picking up a knock last weekend at Dundee United, but we're hopeful he'll be fit for Saturday.

"Gary Caldwell is also progressing extremely well after his operation, and we expect him to be ready in around six weeks time.

"After last weekend the excitement has been growing as the big kick-off approaches and the players now have to remain focused ahead of the Blackpool game.

"The pre-season has allowed us to test ourselves against different types of opponent that we'll find in the Premier League, and against different circumstances, and I'm happy with how the players have approached the work."

The gaffer knows now is the time to put that hard work to good effect when his side take on Ian Holloway's Blackpool on Saturday, and he admits that it would be difficult to have been handed a tougher start to the season;

He said; "It's a difficult time to be playing Blackpool.

"When you consider the start Burnley had to their campaign last season you can see how much the occasion means to newly-promoted sides.

"They have dreamt of this moment for a long time, will be full of enthusiasm and at times it can be impossible that feel of freshness going into a new league.

"They'll play with the winning momentum and attitude that served them so well last season.

"We need to be ready for what they'll bring, but it's fantastic to be facing them at home at our DW Stadium.

"Blackpool are going surprise a lot of people this season and on Saturday we need to make sure we're ready for the test.