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Fri, Apr

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Roberto Martinez looks set to give the 11 heroes that clipped the wings of high-flying Chelsea the chance to inflict more misery on cellar dwellers Hull City tomorrow.

The Wigan boss has reported no fresh injury worries this week, and Jason Scotland looks set to again lead the line with top scorer Hugo Rodallega patrolling the left-hand side.Scotland will be full of confidence after his strong showing on his full debut against Chelsea, and Martinez feels the Trinidad and Tobago hotshot put down a big marker for the future with his display.

He told the Evening Post: "That's what you want in the squad. The manager never makes the decision, the football makes the decision – I've always felt that way.

"The Chelsea game was Jason's first start, and the first time he'd played against a pair as experienced as Ricardo Carvalho and John Terry.

"To see him enjoying his football and being a rock was pleasing, but it didn't surprise me at all because that's why we signed him.

"He is still adapting to a new level and a new football club, and I think he will put smiles on a lot of people's faces this season."

The sole change could be on the bench, with Olivier Kapo "near-enough ready" to return after knee trouble, although the gaffer will be loathe to tinker after last weekend's historic triumph.

Despite the euphoria generated by the win over Chelsea, however, Martinez is keeping his feet firmly on the ground and anticipating a tough test from a Tigers side with a point to prove after their 6-1 mauling at Liverpool.

"It will be a completely different game for us this week, but that is the nature of the Premier League," Martinez continued.

"It's important we are ready, because it's probably the wrong time to be playing Hull.

"On the back of the disappointment they suffered at Liverpool, everyone will be expecting a reaction.

"We need to be aware of that and ensure the intensity in our play is good enough to cope with that.

"You need to be adaptable in the Premier League and we know it will be a completely different kind of game against Hull than against Chelsea.

"But the performance level has to be the same, and that's probably the biggest test we have at the moment."

A Wigan win could well push under-fire Tigers boss Phil Brown nearer to the axe, but Martinez was eager to state the case for his opposite.

"I think many people would appreciate that the main reason Hull are in the Premier League is Phil Brown, so I don't know how he can be considered to be in a position of being under pressure," Martinez added.

"I think Phil knows better than anyone how to get the best out of his team.

"Although every boss in the Premier League is under pressure when they don't get results, if any manager deserves time to turn it round, it's going to be Phil."

Brown's cause will not be helped by the likely absence of a number of key players – Richard Garcia and Ian Ashbee are definitely out, while Anthony Gardner, Steven Mouyokolo and former Latics favourite Jimmy Bullard are major doubts.