Wigan Athletic recruit 'weeks ahead of schedule', admits boss Maloney

The 20-year-old joined Latics on transfer deadline day on a season-long loan from Premier League Fulham.

He was thrown straight in for his debut against Cambridge on Saturday, and made a huge contribution, including laying on the winning goal for Thelo Aasgaard.

And Maloney says Godo's breakthrough into the first team has taken everyone by surprise - not least himself.

"I thought Martial was really good, considering it was his first ever senior game," said the Latics boss.

"He had a really good assist for Thelo's goal, and he was brilliant throughout.

"I didn't expect to be playing him so quickly, when I signed him, I thought I'd have to bed him in over two, three, four games.

"But the way he's trained since he's been here, he's forced his way into the side.

"It's also a great message to send out to the other players.

"If you train like he has, then you're going to win yourself a starting spot.

"Then it's how you play in the game that will decide whether you stay there or not.

"And that's what I really liked all week in training."

Latics' squad strength was underlined by fellow winger Jordan Jones - who represented Northern Ireland during the recent international break - not even making Saturday's matchday 18.

"Even though Jordan Jones didn't make the 18, he's starting to get himself into a really good place, and pushing hard," added Maloney.

"Every player needs to know they have to perform in training if they're to play on a Saturday, and that's what we have at the moment."

The win over Cambridge was even more impressive given there had been a big in the fact in the lead-up.

"Callum Lang had an illness in the week, and I didn't think he could give us more than 45," said Maloney, whose side now have five points on the board from their seven matches played.

"That's why he didn't start, the same as Tom Pearce, there's been a bit of an illness in the camp."