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Callum McManaman reveals debt to Wigan boss Roberto Martinez
CALLUM MCMANAMAN has thanked Roberto Martinez for standing by him following his X-rated tackle and has vowed to repay that faith by inspiring Wigan to safety.
The 21-year-old offered further evidence of his blossoming talents with a blistering volley beyond Hugo Lloris in the 2-2 draw against Tottenham to register his first Premier League goal.
McManaman was at the centre of a storm last month when he was not punished for catching Newcastle’s Massadio Haidara with a knee-high challenge because the incident, if not the severity of the foul, had been spotted by one of the match officials.
The fall-out threatened to engulf McManaman’s fledgling career. But the winger says Martinez’s decision to start him in Wigan’s following match boosted his confidence.
“There was a long wait after the game for the next match, but what happened didn’t get me down or affect how I prepared for Norwich,” said McManaman.
“I was desperate to get back on the training pitch and make sure I was in the starting line-up for Norwich.
“When the gaffer put me in that team it was a big moment and, from that point onwards, I like to think that I have progressed well and also become a stronger part of the team.”