Wigan Athletic boss Roberto Martinez admits it's a battle to keep a British core to his squad.

Latics have come under fire from some quarters this season for the shortage of English talent in the squad, and Martinez's transfer hitlist is thought to include a number of foreign stars.

The reason for this, according to the Spaniard, is the better value for money available on the continent - although he is also determined to ensure Latics retain a British core.

He told the Wigan Evening Post: "In football, when you haven't got the money you have to be creative.

"Without money you need a bit more time, you need to touch different markets to get players that will make a difference.

"There are no two ways about it. You need a core of British players and that helps the foreign players.

"I've been a foreign player in a British dressing room, and the first thing you look for is a bit of guidance and that comes from the core of British players you have."