Franco Di Santo is the man to fire Wigan to safety, says Latics boss Roberto Martinez.

The Wigan striker has scored only four goals so far this season, although he did lead the line well against Bolton in the recent 2-1 win at the Reebok and Martinez is hoping there is more to come from the Argentinian.

"We all know the potential Franco has as a player, but he has only shown flashes of the real quality I know he possesses," Martinez told the Wigan Evening Post.

"He's still a young man, but he's clearly ready to take on more responsibility.

"Probably the biggest challenge for Franco is to show that kind of performance on a regular basis in the Premier League.

"If he can do that, his football - and that of the team - will go on to a different level. He will develop into some player.

"And I'm not just talking about club level. I'm talking about the international level. And that's a fantastic target to have."

Scoring goals has been a problem for Wigan this season, but Martinez feels goals are just around the corner.

"We haven't been able to score enough goals this season - that's been our problem," he added.

"However, I do feel now that we have started to create a lot more chances.

"We're creating numerous chances per game, and we're now at least in a position where you can see the goals are coming.

"Look at some of the games before Christmas - for example against Fulham when we were the best team by a mile yet lost 2-0.

"Now we have turned the corner, I feel we are getting more and more bodies forward, and I feel it's just a matter of time before we get the rewards we deserve."