Sunderland boss Steve Bruce dismissed his job was on the line after their 1-1 draw with Wigan Athletic.

Kenwyne Jones' 64th-minute header was only enough to secure a 1-1 draw with Wigan at the Stadium of Light, a result which means the Black Cats have taken only five points from the last 33 on offer.

However, Bruce was refusing to be downbeat.

He said: "The one thing I am not going to do is give up on it - I have never given up on anything in my life, so I am not going to start now.

"We have got to make sure we are ready for the challenge ahead. We won't give up on it, that's for sure and we will turn it around."

Sunderland head for crisis club Portsmouth on Tuesday night with Bruce insisting he is not too concerned by the mounting pressure on his shoulders.

He said: "I am not enjoying it. I'm not unduly worried, but I am not enjoying it, that's for sure.

"After a really fantastic start, we have had a horrible run, it's as simple as that, but we have to try to arrest it, starting on Tuesday."