The Wigan boss was far from dismayed by his side's display in yesterday's 1-0 defeat to Chelsea at the JJB Stadium, a game watched by England coach Fabio Capello.

A fourth-minute free-kick from Deco sealed victory for the Blues, who were indebted to three good saves from Petr Cech to keep their lead.
So Bruce has urged his players to stay confident ahead of tomorrow's Carling Cup clash with Notts County, and then Saturday's visit to top-flight newcomers Hull City.

He said: "I'm not panicking after two defeats, although it would have been lovely to be off the mark by now.
"This time last season we had won two out of three and then went on a run of eight defeats – that's the reason I'm here.
"I just have to make sure I keep the players' confidence high and not get too downbeat about our start.

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"If we keep playing like that, we will beat someone, that is for sure.
"I thought we were absolutely magnificent and deserved something against Chelsea.
"We went out to go toe-to-toe with them, and that is all I require from the lads.

"I will forgive mistakes and phases of play which aren't in the excellence of the coaching manual. I just want them to go out there and physically do their best.

"I couldn't have asked for anymore from them against arguably one of the best teams in the world.
"After their free-kick which was a wonder strike from Deco, we contained them.

"We arguably had the best chances but unfortunately didn't take them, so it was an opportunity lost.
"We had Wilson Palacios, Maynor Figueroa and Zaki who had been playing in Mexico and Sudan on Wednesday night, but they put in monumental efforts."

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