Wigan Athletic boss Steve Bruce is positive that striker Emile Heskey will fight off his groin problem and be available for the clash against Blackburn Rovers at the JJB Stadium on Saturday.

The England international's return after a lengthy lay-off from a broken foot has seen him pick up hamstring and groin problems in the last two games against Manchester City and Bolton Wanderers.

He said: "Emile is a bit sore around the groin area. The big problem for Emile is that he has been out for 10 weeks.

"He is such a big physical powerfully-built lad it is going to take him some time to get back into it. But we think he is going to be okay."