Deco scored the only goal of the game direct from a first half free kick.

"We thought we deserved something out of the game, that's for sure," Bruce told Setanta Sports.

"Aside from a wonder strike from Deco, they haven't done much against us.

"We've worked out socks off to try to contain them and with a bit of luck we'd have gotten a goal-perhaps the (Olivier) Kapo effort late on- which would have capped off a good display from us."

Wigan are now second from bottom but Bruce is convinced this will soon change.

"We've strengthened over the summer and the proof's there for everyone to see but, towards the back end of last season, we put a hell of a run together so I'm mindful of that, too.

"So it's okay having the names on paper, we have to get a few results and make sure that we are stronger for the challenge that lies ahead. But I believe that we are."