Wigan manager Steve Bruce admits he has "huge respect" for what Alan Curbishley has achieved since taking charge at West Ham.Latics take on the Hammers in the Premier League clash at the JJB Stadium on Saturday.

Both clubs were embroiled in a relegation scrap last term, surviving only on the final day of the season.

This year Curbishley has led the Hammers into the top 10 despite being without the services of several key players.

The Londoners followed up their 2-1 win over league leaders Manchester United with a 1-0 victory against Liverpool in midweek and Bruce expects a stern test on Saturday.

"I've got huge respect for Alan and what he's done there, and it's going to be a difficult game," he said.

"They've been wracked with big injuries to big players so it just shows you how strong in depth their squad is.

"To be without the likes of Dean Ashton, Scott Parker, Craig Bellamy and Kieron Dyer for a long time, it's credit to Alan and his players for keeping the club in the top 10 and in a position to go for a place in Europe."

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