Wigan Athletic Football Club News

• Nickname:Latics
• Founded:1932
• Manager:Roberto Martinez

• Ground:JJB Stadium
• Capacity:25,000

Bruce calms Heskey fears

03 Dec 2007 - 11:53:11

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Wigan Athletic manager Steve Bruce has cooled fears that Emile Heskey could be set for another spell on the sidelines after the England international limped out of the 1-1 draw against Manchester City with a hamstring problem.

The 29-year-old was making his first start since fracturing a metatarsal in the Latics' draw with Fulham in mid-September.

However, Bruce insisted he decided to substitute Heskey as a precaution and hopes he will be available for the derby clash at Bolton Wanderers.

"I don't think it's anything too serious with Emile," said the former Birmingham City boss.

"You just have to be careful when a player has been out for two-and-a-half months.

"He trained all week leading up the game, lasted almost an hour, and I'm sure he'll be in contention for the Bolton match."

Meanwhile, Bruce is still to decide whether to appeal against captain Mario Melchiot's late dismissal for a two-footed tackle on Stephen Ireland, adding: "As for Mario's red card, it was right in front of me, and for me it was a 50-50.

"I know he showed his studs a bit, but he hit the ball. I understand why the referee took the action he did, but when you analyse it, I don't think it's as bad as it looked.

"Mario didn't go over the ball, he made contact with the ball."