Strike duo fit for Latics

Bent and Heskey expected to start against Reading

Last updated: 24th April 2008

wigan marcus bent emile heskey tottenham

Bent & Heskey: Due to face Royals

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Steve Bruce expects Wigan Athletic duo Marcus Bent and Emile Heskey to be fit to play against Reading on Saturday.

The strikers failed to complete last weekend's 1-1 draw at home to Tottenham Hotspur, with Bent suffering an ankle injury and Heskey a hamstring complaint.

The injuries have not proved to be serious and Wigan boss Bruce is confident the players will lead the attack against relegation rivals Reading.

"I think the two lads are going to be all right - their injuries aren't too serious," Bruce told the Wigan Evening Post.

Fresh as a daisy

"I have been very pleased with the way Marcus has been playing. He has come back as fresh as a daisy and given us new energy.

"When Heskey was out earlier in the season with his broken foot, Marcus was on the team sheet every week and maybe that took its toll.

"I had statistics to back it up, as well as what was clear to the eye, that Marcus wasn't playing at his best a few weeks ago.

"But a few games ago, I decided it was time to bring Marcus back and arguably you could say he was our best player against Tottenham."

Bent is currently on loan at the JJB Stadium from Charlton Athletic and Bruce will look to hold talks regarding a permanent deal when the season has finished.

He added: "There were preliminary discussions with Marcus and his agent last Christmas.

"If and when we get safe, we can sit down again and see what the way forward is.

"There's already a fee agreed with Charlton if we want to take him, about £1m, so we'll see what happens."