Latics manager Steve Bruce is remaining tight-lipped over his selection for the match against Portsmouth tomorrow and as he came off the Christopher Park Training Field this morning (Friday) he said: "the mood in the camp is really up beat.

"The players have come back fit and raring to go after international week. They know what is required, and I expect us to bounce back after the disappointment of Blackburn."

"It's always tough during international weeks," said Bruce, "because some of the players only arrive back at the club this morning and it's difficult to plan. But we've still got plenty of options.

"The good news is that the lads were full of energy this morning and they can't wait to get out there at Portsmouth and show what they can do."

Bruce has some major decisions to make after injury and suspension has dented the squad but was also quick to point out his Portsmouth counterpart Harry Redknapp has one or two selection worries of his own: Sulley Muntar and Papa Bouba Diop are suspended while there are injury doubts over Lassana Diara and Kanu.

Bruce says, 'Harry has his own selection posers, and he has had many players out on international duty as well. It's the same for both teams at this stage of the season."

The centre-midfield area is probably the most pressing, with Jason Koumas, Wilson Palacios and Michael Brown suspended, which could lead to a recall for Josip Skoko or Salomon Olembe, or even Paul Scharner moving up from defence. Antonio Valencia, Ryan Taylor or Kevin Kilbane all also have experience of playing in the middle.

At left back, the enforced absence of Erik Edman could mean a call-up for Honduras international Maynor Figueroa, or Kilbane might continue where he left off before the arrival of Edman.

In attack, Antoine Sibierski should be fit to return to the squad having resumed full training, however, which is good news.

Bruce said: "I've heard a lot of negatives this week about the squad being at full stretch but that's not the case at all. Edman was a blow but I've still got a lot of options to play with in all positions.

"This is another big game for us. Portsmouth are flying high and are still fighting on two fronts with the FA Cup Semi-Final coming up. Their confidence will be high.

"Blackburn wasn't good enough from our point of view, and was certainly not up to the standards we've been setting ourselves in recent months, so we know there has to be improvement."

PORTSMOUTH v LATICS

FRATTON PARK

SATURDAY 29TH MARCH, 3.00PM

Listen live on Wigan Athletic World