Bruce ready to take a risk

Steve Bruce has indicated he is prepared to take a risk by throwing Chris Kirkland back into the team for the clash at Hull.

The former Liverpool and Coventry man was forced to miss last weekend's 1-0 defeat to league leaders Chelsea after feeling problems in his lower back in the warm-up.

But Latics were handed a major boost when Kirkland came through Thursday's training session unscathed and the 27-year-old looks set to feature at the KC Stadium.

Bruce told the Wigan Evening Post: "We think Kirkland is going to be okay. We are confident and comfortable with his situation.

"He had a back spasm when we were training in Austria a few weeks ago. We don't think it's anything too serious, hopefully with a bit of TLC he will be fine."

Meanwhile, Jason Koumas is also available for selection despite limping out of the clash with Chelsea last Sunday.

The Wales international was replaced at half-time because of an ankle injury and that forced him to sit out the Carling Cup win over Notts County, but Koumas has since returned to training.