Latics have just nine games to save their Premier League status after slipping to the bottom of the table and four points below the crucial 17th place. Martinez has bemoaned his side's lack of fortune in relation to performances all season - narrow defeat at Manchester City a fortnight ago being a prime example - but believes hard work will be rewarded. The Spaniard said: "We have got nine games - 27 points to play for. "We are prepared to give our lives for the cause and as a football club we are ready to experience that challenge. "We are in the worst position in the table but it can only get better. "The way we see it, if we play with the bravery and the courage we have shown, we will have an opportunity to be successful again. "It is not time to look back. We all know the reasons why we are in this situation. "I have been very pleased with the level of performances but time is catching up with us in terms of points. "We have dropped too many points but now is the time to look forward to the next nine games and be as strong as we can be." Wigan face a crucial game against fellow strugglers Birmingham at the DW Stadium on Saturday. Birmingham are outside the relegation zone only on goal difference and have not won since their memorable Carling Cup final victory over Arsenal last month. It could be a good opportunity for Wigan to win for the first time in four league games but Martinez is taking little notice of the form guides. He said: "There is never a right moment to play a team - it is down to ourselves. "Birmingham made history and will now be looking to finish as high up the table as they can. It has been a phenomenal campaign for them. "We need to make sure we create a really tough environment at the DW Stadium in the last four games to make it as difficult as we can for the opposition. "It is down to the performances and the players are desperate to give their all for Wigan Athletic. As long as we do that, I'm happy. "When we all get together we are a powerful football club. We are all excited. "It is an extremely talented young group, ready for one of the challenges of our careers." Martinez has a number of promising youngsters in his squad such as James McCarthy, James McArthur, Victor Moses and Callum McManaman. Experience is perhaps lacking in some quarters but Martinez feels that situation is improving and last year's successful relegation fight will stand the team in good stead. "It something that is nothing new for us," said Martinez, who attempted to rally his squad last weekend by taking them to a training camp at La Manga. "When we are in these situations we know we can rely on the fans and the whole football club to really have another successful season. "It is important for us to stay in the Barclays Premier League to be able to get the rewards of the potential of this squad. "In my eyes it is a very talented one and it is crucial we stay in this league to show what we can do in other seasons. "We have got many options, we have got a few good players enjoying good moments of form, and we really need to use that. "The squad is growing game by game, gaining experience and maturity and it is really exciting."
