Bruce up for new push

Wigan boss Steve Bruce has told his players not to waste their impressive run in 2008 in the second half of the current season.

Latics are flying high in seventh spot in the Premier League after winning five of their last six games although they are still just eight points above the relegation zone.

And Bruce is aware his side's fortunes could change quickly in a very tight league this term.

"We have reached the halfway point of the league and I am delighted with the position we are in," said Bruce.

"We have had a fantastic December and 2008 has been very good for us. I think for the calendar year we have picked up 52 points which is excellent, especially if you ignore a horrible October.

"Now, can we continue that form into the new year? We have given ourselves a great chance but we can not take anything for granted and there is a lot of hard work still to do."