Pollitt, standing in for Chris Kirkland, was left distraught after the 4-1 defeat by Blackpool in the Carling Cup.

Wigan have now lost three successive matches with Manchester United and Wolves taking maximum points after they won the opening game at Aston Villa.

It is a worrying time for new manager Roberto Martinez and Pollitt issued a rallying call.

He said: "If we go to Everton feeling sorry for ourselves, you know it's going to happen again.

"We are professional footballers and our lives revolve around the game. We have got to think long and hard about our performance and aim to put it right.

"Everything is new at the moment but we've got to start hitting the ground running because if we do not do that, we could find ourselves trailing behind."

Pollitt took the blame for the second goal, as Ben Burgess' soft shot from distance drifted beyond him into the corner.

He said: "I was at fault. I thought he was going to chip me and I lost my footing so I couldn't get back up. But these things happen. We are very disappointed with all of the goals.

"The manager has given people an opportunity to play and give him problems. There were places up for grabs but unfortunately the players have not taken it.

"The dressing room is very sombre at the minute. But we've got to get back on the training ground and put things right."

Martinez wants a different mentality at Goodison Park, where he will ring the changes again.

He said: "We have got to learn our lessons quickly and set higher standards. There is healthy competition for places but players must take their chance when they get it.

"Blackpool had four shots and scored three goals. We allowed that to happen and it is not good enough."