Wigan boss Steve Bruce has vowed to give the current squad every chance to prove themselves before spending chairman Dave Whelan's money next month.

While naturally he will be hoping his side are out of the bottom three by the turn of the year, Bruce will know by then what is required if Wigan are to avoid the drop.

"I made a pledge when I came here, and to the players, that they are all going to get their opportunity," confirmed Bruce.

"They've from now until January. I'll assess the squad over the next few weeks and see if and where we need strengthening.

"Some of them, like (Antoine) Sibierski and (Julius) Aghahowa I've not seen because they have been injured. So I owe it to the squad here first.

"It's all very well saying we will get whoever, but you have to make sure they will improve your team.

"That's not so easy in January because clubs are still playing in Europe and they don't want to let their best players go, so it is always a difficult time.

"That's why it's never ideal for a manager to walk through the door at the end of November as I did.

"But we will see what is around, and if we can act and it is going to improve us, then the chairman will do that.

"He is the sole reason why I've come. He paid a colossal fee for me (£3million in compensation to Birmingham), which shows his intent.

"I've no qualms he will back me over whatever I want to do, and as repayment for that, I'll do everything I possibly can to keep his team - which he adores - in the Premier League."