Martinez made seven changes from the side beaten 3-0 by Manchester City when they travelled to Crystal Palace in the Carling Cup on Tuesday night. And despite a 2-1 defeat, the Latics' fourth second-round exit in six years, Martinez felt the trip to south London was a worthwhile exercise. On-loan Chelsea left-back Patrick van Aanholt, one if three debutants, certainly pressed his claims for a place at Goodison Park with an assured display in the back four, while Shaun Maloney and young substitute Callum McManaman also looked sharp. Ben Watson's stoppage-time goal came too late but Martinez was unrepentant after rotating his squad and vowed to do the same when the FA Cup comes around in January. "I felt we learned two or three players will be competing for the first team and that's what this competition should be about for us," he said. "We can't participate in the League Cup at the expense of losing other players. Just a week ago some of the players were travelling all over the world with international weekends and then we played a very difficult game at Manchester City and we have to share the effort. "If you want to be successful in the League Cup, you have to be able to do it with a squad. I was happy with certain players who showed they are ready. "It was a great exercise. And what we need to do now is make sure in the FA Cup the whole squad is ready and sharp. "We have players who have never played in the English game who needed to get that taste and I feel we are a stronger squad because of that game." The brightest star on show at Selhurst Park was in the red and blue of Palace, with Wilfried Zaha setting up first-half goals for Darren Ambrose and Jonathan Williams. The last time Palace had such a bright prospect in their ranks he was snapped up by Wigan - Victor Moses was on the bench last night - and Ambrose says the Championship club must keep hold of their latest teenage winger. "It's no surprise to see him linked with other clubs," said the midfielder. "But Victor didn't get much playing time at Wigan last year, although he's come in now. It would be nice to keep Wilfried here because he is a great player for us."
