Wigan manager Steve Bruce believes Antoine Sibierski will play a key role in the Latics' fight for Premier League survival.The former Manchester City and Newcastle striker has not started a Premier League game this year but has made a goalscoring contribution from the bench twice, including netting the winner against Derby on January 12.

The 33-year-old was set to be handed a rare start against Sunderland last week but was forced out of Bruce's plans because of illness.

But despite his lack of playing time, Sibierski is Wigan's second highest goalscorer this season with five goals.

Bruce told the Wigan Evening Post: "Make no mistake about it, Sibierski is a very good player. He could be the catalyst for us staying up.

"He would have played at Sunderland but he was sick and wasn't fit to travel.

"I had him in mind to play as Marlon King had been away on international duty in Jamaica and didn't get back until late on Friday.

"We just need to get him into a position where he is not missing games through niggling injuries.

"Recently, we've not been able to get him ready to start a game, although he has been making a big impact coming on as a sub."

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