Bruce calls for confidence

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce admits his side will have to conquer their nerves if they are to end their 11-game winless run.

The Black Cats salvaged a point at the Stadium of Light when Kenwyne Jones headed home to cancel out Mohamed Diame's well-taken opener.

That result means Bruce's side stay in 13th place in the Premier League table and, although he was happy with the performance, he is desperate to get back to winning ways.

Bruce said: "We did look nervous and edgy, particularly in the first half, and we have to overcome that.

"Wigan scored with their first real attack and that didn't help matters at all, but there was a huge response. We created chances and maybe we could have nicked it.

"We were much, much better in the second half and had the confidence to try and take the ball forward.

"We need a result though, however we get it, and that will calm those nerves."

Bruce had complained during the January transfer window that Jones had been unsettled by rumours linking him with a move away from Wearside, but felt the striker had looked much improved against the Latics.

"I can't stop what gets printed in the newspapers but Kenwyne has been more like himself in the past few games and that is great for him and great for the club," Bruce added.

"He scored a great equaliser today and could maybe have had another one. I was very pleased with him and I thought he played very well."

Youngster Jordan Henderson is potentially facing months on the sidelines with ankle ligament damage after being stretchered off during the second half.

Bruce had been impressed by the 19-year-old's contribution but is not holding out much hope for a speedy recovery.

He said: "That's the most disappointing thing of the afternoon. It doesn't look great for the kid.

"We will see how the scans and X-rays are over the next 24 hours, but it will certainly be weeks and possibly months."