"I enjoyed a lot of success at Birmingham as a manager in the games against Villa and I know that for the supporters these games are very special. I haven't experienced a Wigan v Bolton game before but I know that when two clubs are only tseven miles away, there will be plenty at stake.
"It's also been explained to me that a large part of Wigan is actually closer to the Reebok than the JJB Stadium so this really is a local derby!"
"Still, putting all that aside, we need to concentrate on a game plan to beat Bolton, we need to have calm heads under pressure and be focused entirely on the job at hand.
"We know that Bolton is one of the toughest places to go because their game is high intensity and very physical, but at the same time they have some world class players who can hurt you.
"I know Gary Megson well and I know how any time he manages will be fired up, so we are under no illusions how tough a fixture this is.
"The fact both teams are at the wrong end of the table just adds even more pressure to the occasion.
"But we go with no fear. We have been working all week on a plan and the players have been looking extremely sharp and hungry in training. I want them to take all the positives from last Saturday, when we outperformed a team who were 3rd in the table for much of the game, and take them into this match.
"I have been so encouraged by what I've seen so far in the squad. The players know they are in a false position in the league but now it's a case of proving it on the pitch, starting Sunday."
Meantime, Iain Dowie is said to be targetting Fitz Hall for his Coventry side if the planned take-over talks are completed. Hall has never really settled into the Latics side and is said to be surpluss to Bruce's requirements at the JJB Stadium.
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