Wigan manager Steve Bruce has hailed the impact Wilson Palacios has had on his squad, and believes the Honduran will prove to be a bargain buy.Bruce brought Palacios to England with Birmingham in a loan deal in the summer and then swooped to sign him permanently for Latics in January for a fee in the region of £1million.

The 23-year-old has quickly become a fans' favourite at the JJB Stadium and Bruce has been delighted with his impact.

Bruce told the Wigan Evening Post: "Wilson can only get better. I wish I could find five or six more players like him for the price we paid. We've seen he has become a fans' favourite very quickly. He epitomises everything supporters want to see.

"He has a bit of flair on the ball, a trick or two in him, and his competitive edge singles him out.

"Wilson has really settled down well and I think it's because he feels wanted. When I left Birmingham, he probably felt he wasn't really part of the squad - he felt left out a little bit. He's desperate to do well. The hunger and desire is there, and that is very refreshing to see."

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