Bruce backs Watson to shine

17 March 2009 17:52
Steve Bruce is confident that Ben Watson is now up and running after a slow start to his Wigan career. The 23-year-old arrived from Crystal Palace in the January transfer window for £1.6million but has started just twice, with three more appearances coming from the bench. Bruce has tried to ease the midfielder into life at the JJB Stadium after a groin injury had kept him out for six weeks immediately prior to his move. A goal against Sunderland in the 2-1 win over Sunderland will have boosted the Londoner's confidence and with fellow midfielder Lee Cattermole suspended for three matches, more game time could be coming his way. "I remember someone in the crowd shouting and bawling at Ben in a home game a few weeks ago," Bruce told the Evening Post. "He wasn't 100 per cent fit then, the lad hadn't played for six weeks before joining us. "But Ben has worked hard since then, and at Sunderland you could see he has a bit of quality about him. "He is a good user of the ball and showed smashing technique to score. The lad clearly has goals in him and scoring will have done him a world of good. "Hopefully he's now up and running. Ben is 23 and has played 200 Championship games, so now he deserves his chance in the big time and we'll see how he goes."

Source: SKY_Sports