Wigan Athletic boss Steve Bruce has taken a fresh dig at former club Birmingham City.

"I know for a fact that they've got a really good young team," insisted Bruce, in charge at St Andrews from December 2001 until Wigan owner Dave Whelan paid £3million compensation for him.

"Sir Alex Ferguson, when we lost narrowly 1-0 at home to Manchester United last September, said arguably that's the best team you've had in six years so I take no satisfaction out of seeing Birmingham in trouble.

"I had six wonderful years there, the supporters were great and for the players I took there, I don't want to see them being relegated.

"My last game at Birmingham we were going into the Villa game 12th in the league and we lost in the last minute 2-1.

"I saw the Birmingham team the other day. Six or seven were playing, six or seven weren't playing and maybe if they had been, they might be in a different position - but then he's a better manager than me!"