MANAGER Steve Bruce today urged his Wigan Athletic players to take a sizeable step towards Premier League survival by toppling Bolton Wanderers at the JJB Stadium tomorrow.

Bruce is also hoping to see his Wigan charges repeat their lionhearted heroics in holding title-chasing Arsenal at the JJB last Sunday.

Bruce said: "Our level of performance, especially in home games, has been excellent.

"We proved that against Arsenal, they are one of the best teams in Europe and we matched them in every department. Securing a draw was a massive bonus going into the Bolton game.

"We've taken 20 points from the 15 games since I took charge and what I'd give for another win tomorrow because at the moment, we are looking difficult to beat and I hope that continues."

England striker Emile Heskey is expected to lead the attack despite hobbling off early in the second half of last week's game.

Wigan were this week relieved to learn that X-rays revealed no further damage on the foot Heskey broke earlier in the season.

Jason Koumas is expected to retain his place on the left flank with Kevin Kilbane again having to make do with a place on the bench.

And keeper Chris Kirkland believes Wigan's recent form has given them a chance of staying up.

He said: "We are unbeaten in our last three games and have lost just one in five, so we're going OK at the moment.

"We have given ourselves a good chance of staying up and now we have to continue the hard work.

"We want to be picking up points against whoever we play but things would be much easier if we could do so against the teams around us. As well as Bolton, we have got Reading and Birmingham to come at home. They're all tough but we do need points from these games."

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