Last Updated: Thu, 01 May 2008 10:47
Steve Bruce is refusing to rule injured striker Emile Heskey out of Wigan's trip to Aston Villa on Saturday as he looks for a point.
Latics boss is desperate to get the powerful forward fit in time for the game at Villa Park, but knows he is facing a race against time to get him ready following an ankle injury picked up in last Saturday's goalless draw against Reading.
Skipper Mario Melchiot is definitely out due to injury so Bruce is hoping Heskey can feature given that his side need just a point from the final two games at Villa and at home to Manchester United to guarantee their Premier League status.
He told the Evening Post: "Hesk is doubtful at this stage for Saturday - he's got an ankle injury.
"We've patched him up and we'll see how he is a bit nearer to the game.
"It's a big game for us at Villa and hopefully we can get the job done there and finally make ourselves safe in this division.
"We edged closer to safety with the draw against Reading and, while we're not mathematically there yet, it would take an almighty twist for us to go down.
"With two games to go we need a point. We are capable of getting that, never mind what everyone else does.
"Mind you, it wouldn't be Wigan if it was easy would it?"