MARLON King insists that his £5million move to Wigan is not a gamble - and that the Latics will win their fight for survival.

The striker also shrugged off concerns over the knee injury which kept him out for six months last season, with manager Steve Bruce also jumping to the defence of the 27-year-old former Watford striker.

Wigan moved in after the Jamaica international saw a move to Fulham collapse following a medical and makes his debut at Middlesbrough.

Said Bruce: "All the nonsense about him failing the medical is unfair on him. We all know about the knee injury last season, but he came back and scored five in the last 11 games.

"This year he's played every game for Watford. We have done all the stringent tests you can, and he's fine.

"I'm sure he will be a good signing for us. He's big, strong and powerful and a good finisher. He's a bit different to what I've got - all he wants to do is score goals."

King, who is celebrating a new addition to the family with the arrival of son Cameron a week ago, admits that he feels he has unfinished business in the Premier League after Watford's relegation following one season at the top.

He said: "The Fulham business was disappointing but things happen for a reason.

"I felt a bit cheated in a way by the injury. I thought I would be out for six weeks but it was six months and I'm not a good watcher.

"But that's football. It was an injury, not cancer or Aids, and I stayed positive."

King added: "I've had a lot of challenges, bouncing back after being in prison, and from the injury that knocked me out for six months.

"It's exciting times for me. But I see playing in the Premier League again and battling against the best as more of a privilege than a challenge. The gaffer picked me up from the train station himself and made a big impression on me."

Wigan are likely to have an unchanged squad for the six- pointer at Middlesbrough.

But left back Erik Edman will have to wait for his debut after suffering a calf injury in training. He's likely to be out for at least two weeks.

Mwanwhile, Turkey international Tuncay Sanli returns for Gareth Southgate's side.

Tuncay, who was rested for the FA Cup win at Mansfield Town, is expected to resume his regular place in the attack alongside Jeremie Aliadiere, meaning Saturday’s goalscorer Dong-Gook Lee could drop out.

Midfielder Gary O’Neil also returns after illness, but left-back Emanuel Pogatetz faces a fitness test after suffering an ankle injury at Field Mill.

England defender Jonathan Woodgate has finally completed his move to Tottenham so teenager Jonathan Grounds stands by in case Pogatetz is ruled out.

Middlesbrough (from): Schwarzer, Turnbull, Young, Pogatetz, Grounds, Wheater, Huth, Riggott. O’Neil, Cattermole, Boateng, Rochemback, Arca, Johnson, Downing, Aliadiere, Tuncay, Mido, Lee.

Wigan Athletic (from): Kirkland, Melchiot, Bramble, Scharner, Kilbane, Valencia, Brown, Palacios, Taylor, Bent, Heskey, King, Aghahowa, Boyce, Edman, Figueroa, Granqvist, Koumas, Sibierski, Skoko, Pollitt.

Last season: Boro 1 Wigan 1

Key opponent: Tuncay - Turkish forward has had a hit and miss season so far but he is dangerous

Prediction: Boro 1 Wigan 1 - Boro will miss Woodgate, but they have been fairly stubborn of late

Agree with the prediction? Have your say.

You can get 17/2 on Wigan winning 1-0 with Betfred. For this and more odds, click here.

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