Bruce delighted to see duo play

Steve Bruce believes Wigan can benefit from Kevin Kilbane and Paul Scharner playing for their countries this week.

As many as 10 of Latics' first-team squad are on international duty in the next week and, while Bruce will be keeping his fingers crossed his players don't pick up new injuries, he will be delighted to see Scharner and Kilbane play as they continue to recover from knocks.

Kilbane suffered a fractured cheekbone in the 5-0 win at Hull last week but should play wearing a protective mask for Ireland against Georgia.

Scharner, meanwhile, is in contention for Austria for their game against France in Vienna and then also against Lithuania on Wednesday as he gets over his ankle injury.

Bruce knows if the pair see some match action it could mean they will be ready to face Sunderland a week on Saturday when the Premier League resumes.

He told the Evening Post: "I allowed Scharner to join up with Austria, and while I don't know if he will be available tomorrow, I'm hoping he will be on Wednesday.

"Playing that one could suit us because he needs a game and I'd hope he could be available for us against Sunderland.

"As for Kilbane, he had his cheekbone put back into place on Sunday and will wear some kind of protective mask when he plays for Ireland.

"I've been there myself with that kind of injury and I've no qualms about him playing as long as he's okay about it."

Bruce added: "His fracture was quite high up, the surgeon just went in behind his ear and flicked the bone back into place. It would have been a lot worst had the damage been further down, under the eye, that operation is harder to do."