Boss says performance was the best since his arrival

Wigan beat Bruce's former club Birmingham City 2-0 at the JJB Stadium to go eight points clear of the relegation zone, and Ryan Taylor scored a goal in each half.

In the post match conference, Bruce said, "Our first half performance was arguably the best since I have come here to the club. The players were right up for the challenge and played some really good stuff on a difficult pitch but all credit to them."

Damien Johnson was sent off in the 37th minute for a two footed challenge on Kevin Kilbane, and Bruce thought Latics were unbeatable before that point.

"Our players deserve a pat on the back. I thought we were first in every department. I thought it was more difficult against ten men because you cannot move the ball as quickly across the pitch. Until the sending off I thought we just blew them away."

Latics have not conceded a goal at the JJB Stadium for five matches and the gaffer admitted he was delighted with that record, "They have done fantastic and it is another clean sheet. We've made it a bit of a fortress and we have needed to do that."

Bruce also praised Taylor for his performance after his misfortune at Portsmouth last week.

"Last week Ryan was in despair. He missed a penalty and results had gone against us and in the space of a week it all changes around as he scores twice and he has played really, really well."

Wigan's relegation rivals Fulham, Bolton and Reading all lost too but despite that Bruce refused to get carried away with five games left to play.

"We cannot say we are safe until it is mathematically impossible for us to go down because teams could easily win three on the trot, but we are a step closer."

Wigan World subscribers can watch to the whole of the post match interview with Steve Bruce on Wigan World.