Cleverley salutes Martinez

Cleverley: United youngster has made the step up to the England squad this season

Tom Cleverley insists Wigan manager Roberto Martinez should take much of the credit for his recent meteoric rise.

After Jack Wilshere used half a season on loan at Bolton to propel himself into the Arsenal first team, and from there into Fabio Capello's squad, Cleverley has followed suit.

A year spent scrapping against relegation at the DW Stadium has turned Cleverley into a first team regular at Manchester United this term.

It only took 45 minutes of action in the Community Shield to bring the midfielder to Capello's attention and three starts for United in the Premier League have further strengthened his case.

It is a situation Cleverley has always dreamed of, but the 22-year-old has vowed not to forget who helped make it possible.

Massive credit

"Massive credit must go to Roberto Martinez," said the Basingstoke-born youngster. "He brought me on hugely.

"Playing at Wigan benefited me experience-wise. Having the pressure of getting results, even though it was at the different end of the table, was a big help when I went into United's team this year.

"I will always have an eye out for Wigan's results."

It also means Cleverley will not be fazed by having to face Bolton at the Reebok Stadium on Saturday evening.

"It was one of the reasons why I went to Wigan," he said. "I got the chance to play against teams like Bolton and Stoke, some of the more physical sides in the Premier League.

"Whatever the league has to throw at me I am ready for. Saturday will be hard but if we play well, I am sure we will get a positive result."