Albion’s hopes of re-signing Ben Watson suffered a blow today when Wigan boss Roberto Martinez predicted a “bright future” for the midfielder with the Latics.

The Baggies were monitoring the 26-year-old as a potential summer target after his successful loan spell at The Hawthorns this season.

But Watson has forced his way back into the Latics team since being recalled to the DW Stadium and Martinez now appears reluctant to lose the former Crystal Palace man.

Martinez said: “To go out to Albion and play the amount of games he did put him in a position where, as soon as he came back, you could see he was ready to challenge for a place.

“Technically he is very good, but physically we felt he needed a bit of match sharpness to be able to affect games with his technical ability.”

Watson was especially impressive when he scored as the Latics fought back from 2-0 down to beat Arsenal.

That result helped them secure their Premier League status for next season and Martinez believes that game could have kick-started his career with the club.

Marinez said: “I think the game against Arsenal will be the start of a very bright future for Ben at Wigan.

“The future, as with any player, is down to your performances, and football will always make the decision in that respect.”

Watson expressed an interest in joining Albion during his loan spell but he has now acknowledged that Martinez will decide his fate.

He said: “I haven’t played as much as I would have liked for Wigan but that’s down to the manager. He chooses the team.

“I’ve got two years left on my contract and I have always said that I want to prove myself here. It’s all down to the gaffer and if he wants me here I am here.”

Defender Marek Cech, meanwhile, today claimed Albion’s record-breaking away-day record will “scare” next season’s Premier League opponents.

Albion will end their promotion season with just three away defeats — a new club-record low in a season of 40-plus matches.

Cech said: “It is very good for us. It is a good preview for us because teams will be scared of us.”