Steve Bruce is refusing to believe Wigan are on the brink of securing Premier League survival despite being five points clear of the drop zone.A draw against Reading on Saturday edged the Latics closer to safety but they need two points to be mathematically sure of playing in the top flight next season.

However, their remaining two games are Aston Villa away and Manchester United at home and so Bruce is taking nothing for granted in a campaign which looks set to go right down to the final day.

"It would have been lovely to have put it to bed [against Reading]. We didn't, but we have edged a step closer to where we want to be," Bruce told the Wigan Observer.

"We are virtually there but still have a bit of work to do. There are now a lot of clubs with plenty to do, although we're still in the mix."

And Bruce, who took over from Chris Hutchings in November, added: "I'd have taken this position when I first walked through the door."

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