Martinez targets cup boost

The Latics have plenty to think about right now in terms of the Barclays Premier League, in which they are second-bottom with 12 games to go, three points adrift of safety.

And for the clash with the Terriers, who have been struggling in the npower Championship, Martinez has indicated he is likely to hand another opportunity to some fringe players that have come into the side for previous cup games.

The Spaniard is keen to stress, though, that having reached this stage of the competition for the first time since 1987, Wigan are very much ready to give their all in the match at the John Smith's Stadium.

Continued progression in the cup is something Martinez is eager to see - and believes will only prove beneficial for his team's league form.

"We are not taking the opportunity of being involved in the fifth round of this cup competition lightly, and also we are taking this as a game to help us find our best form in the league," Martinez - yet to oversee a top-flight win in 2013 - said.

"I don't think both competitions should pull against each other.

"It is the opposite - they both should help the team in the same direction.

"The players are desperate to enjoy their challenge, and we would like to include the FA Cup in this vital group of games where we are looking to finish the season on a high."