Wigan manager Steve Bruce believes Latics' dogged defensive record has been the key to their climb away from the relegation zone.Latics have taken eight points from their last four games to move six points clear of the bottom three and appear poised to guarantee their safety.

Crucial for Bruce and Wigan is the fact his side have kept four consecutive clean sheets and five in the last six matches.

"That's been the key because when I arrived we were conceding two goals a game," said Bruce.

"We had to do something and you can see how much we've improved, with the likes of Paul Scharner producing an unbelievable performance.

"Emmerson Boyce has come into the team, Erik Edman has quietly done his job and Chris Kirkland looks an England goalkeeper at the moment, that's for sure."

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