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THOMAS AIMS TO TAKE SECOND CHANCE
Thomas - hopes to be a success.
New Wigan midfielder Hendry Thomas is determined to make a success of his career in England having been given a second chance by the club.
The 24-year-old Honduran was due to join the Latics 12 months ago but was denied a work permit as he had not played the required number of international matches.
That was purely down to a technicality - he played in his country's Olympic qualifiers which did not count towards the required FIFA standard - but the departure of Steve Bruce to become Sunderland manager could have thrown the transfer into doubt.
Even though negotiations were at an advanced stage Thomas, who will sign a three-year contract once international clearance has been received, wondered whether he would get another opportunity.
However, new boss Roberto Martinez has welcomed the Deportivo Olimpia player on board and now Thomas is looking to repay that faith.
"It was my dream to come to England with this club, I felt very good about it from the beginning," said the defensive midfielder, who has won 31 caps for his country.
"I felt very bad because of what happened (last summer) but I was at ease because I knew the door was always open if I complied with the rules regarding the national team.
"When I heard Bruce had left I was worried because I did not know the new manager coming in but I finally realised I am welcome here.
"I was very well received by the new manager and I got a very good impression of him.
"I want to thank Roberto Martinez and Wigan for giving me the chance to come here and I'm determined to show them they have not made a mistake.
"Having a Spanish-speaking manager will help me but I am determined to learn the language quickly because Roberto has told me already the team talks will be in English."
Thomas will provide competition in central midfield which is much needed after the departure of compatriot Wilson Palacios to Tottenham in January.
He will also be linking up with fellow Honduran Maynor Figueroa, who has become a permanent fixture at left-back - he played in every Barclays Premier League match last season - since his arrival in January 2008.
Thomas, who made his senior debut for Deportivo aged just 16, is determined to follow in the footsteps of his two international team-mates and make the grade.
"I want to prove myself in the Premier League. I will work very hard to make sure I give 100% and more to this club," he said.
"I am a typical defensive midfielder and I like to win not only in games but also in training."
Martinez said he was impressed with the player's attitude when he finally got to meet him.
"He has good international pedigree. He is someone who I was really impressed with when I met him in terms of his personality," the manager told Latics World.
"He is desperate to play for Wigan, make an impact in the Premier League and win games and those are the ingredients we need in our squad.
"Hendry is another quality addition to the squad. We need healthy competition in there and now the search goes on for new blood."
