Wigan Athletic boss Steve Bruce expects Tony Adams to be successful, despite their victory over Portsmouth on Saturday.

Bruce said: "I was looking for a response from the players after what we've had the last month and I was delighted with them, but Tony will be all right.

"He's inherited a fabulous squad at Portsmouth and it's a marvellous chance for him. He's had a good grounding here with Harry Redknapp but nothing prepares you for when you are thrown in.

"The great thing is he's English and there was a worrying trend that everyone was going foreign with their managers. Now I think there is only three of the top four plus (Gianfranco) Zola at West Ham.

"Our British coaches need encouraging and Tony getting the job here does just that. It's still a struggle but, yes, you can aspire to the top four. Just do what Harry's just done."