Roberto Martinez applauds during Wigan's Carling Cup win over Swansea

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez believes that former charges Swansea City are a Premier League team in waiting.

Swansea lost 2-0 at top-flight Wigan on Tuesday in the Carling Cup fourth round, but Martinez was impressed with the Championship side's display.

"It was great to see that Swansea City are a very, very strong unit, a group full of talent and experience," Martinez told BBC Sport Wales.

"I expect them to get into the Premier League very soon."

Swansea, now managed by Brendan Rodgers and currently third in the Championship, looked to have taken the lead at the DW Stadium only for Craig Beattie to be denied by a tight off-side call.

Wigan took the lead in the second half when Mauro Boselli struck, with Ben Watson wrapping up the win in injury time from the penalty spot after Charles N'Zogbia was fouled.

Paulo Sousa took over at the Liberty Stadium when Spaniard Martinez left to manage former club Wigan in June 2009, with Swansea falling one place short of the play-offs in the Portuguese's first season in charge.

Former Reading and Watford boss Rodgers then took over when Sousa left for Leicester City in July 2010 - where he was sacked after three months in charge - and Swansea have continued to impress.

I heard people say I lied to the fans - I never lied Wigan manager and ex-Swansea boss Roberto Martinez

"You're looking at Brendan and the way the Swansea City players are playing, they're very unique and they have a very special style rather than individuals," Martinez added.

"I don't think that many Championship teams can say that, that's a real strength when you're playing over such a long competition.

"I just feel that Swansea City will get stronger and stronger and stronger as the games go by and the future looks very bright."

Martinez was given a hostile reception throughout the game by Swansea's large away support.

The Spaniard led the Welsh club to the League One title in 2008, but despite his success Martinez has not been forgiven by many of the Jacks faithful for the manner of his departure.

"It is understandable," Martinez said, who once claimed he would only leave Swansea if forced out.

"I heard people say I lied to the fans - I never lied. What I said at the time was because I felt that way. After that I was interested in what was best at that moment.

"Right now I think fans will understand why I had to leave at that time and looking at the foundations they have, it has brought them stability.

"I am glad to see a strong side like Swansea City is ready to compete [but] I couldn't lose tonight! At spells I thought it was like watching a game in a foreign country.

"I felt the environment was really electric and typical of two teams wanting to get through to the next round. It was a really high quality game of football.

"If, as a neutral, you don't enjoy that sort of game there is something wrong with you."

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