Wigan goalkeeper Chris Kirkland should be fit to face Portsmouth on Saturday, despite withdrawing from the England squad this week.

Kirkland pulled out of Wednesday night's friendly against France in Paris due to a back injury, yet manager Steve Bruce is confident he will make the trip to Fratton Park.

"Thankfully common-sense prevailed and Chris didn't have to travel to London to be assessed by the England doctors," said Bruce. "The journey wouldn't have been ideal for someone with a bad back, but we do expect him to be okay by the weekend, although his back was still a bit in spasm on Tuesday."

Bruce faces a crisis in midfield as Michael Brown, Wilson Palacios and Jason Koumas are all suspended for the game with Pompey.

"Having three central midfielders out at a crucial stage isn't ideal, but I hope we have enough strength in depth to deal with it," added Bruce.