Wigan boss Steve Bruce believes troublesome striker Amr Zaki has performed well in training because the sun has started to shine. Bruce has been frequently frustrated by Zaki's indiscretions, but insists the slate has been wiped clean ahead of the final six games of the campaign.

"It was a huge problem for a club like ours because we haven't got six centre forwards which would allow us to let him stay in Egypt," Bruce said.

"It was a big disappointment for us, of course it was, but it's over and done with now and the one thing I will do is give credit where it's due.

"He has trained like Zaki again this week and whether that's because the sun's come out I don't know, but it's a factor.

"I'm not being funny because he struggled with the winter and the conditions over here compared to what he's used to.

"Added to that there were a few personal issues that will not be made public, and we did have a big problem on our hands.

"But, to be fair to him, he has trained extremely well and he will be involved at the weekend because I can't and I won't deplete the team by losing another centre forward.

"If I was to leave him out completely I would be cutting my nose off to spite my face. We haven't got enough players to do that."