Wigan Athletic boss Steve Bruce is full of praise for new signing Wilson Palacios.

"Wilson can only get better. I wish I could find five or six more players like him for the price we paid," beamed Bruce in the Wigan Evening Post. "We've seen he has become a fans' favourite very quickly. He epitomises everything supporters want to see.

"He has a bit of flair on the ball, a trick or two in him, and his competitive edge singles him out."

Palacios' efforts against West Ham in the 1-0 win over Alan Curbishley's side at the weekend served as ratification of Bruce's choice to make sure he signed the 23-year-old from his former club.

"The ProZone stats showed he covered 13km against West Ham - one-and-a-half kilometres more than anyone else on the pitch," added Bruce.

"Coming after a midweek match, that is unbelievable. And bear in mind the state of our pitch too.

"Wilson has really settled down well and I think it's because he feels wanted.

"When I left Birmingham, he probably felt he wasn't really part of the squad - he felt left out a little bit.

"He's desperate to do well. The hunger and desire is there, and that is very refreshing to see."