We're playing for our futures, says Kilbane

Kevin Kilbane declared "everyone's future is on the line" under Steve Bruce, but feels the new Wigan boss will have plenty of reasons to be positive after watching a much-improved display at Emirates Stadium.

Although the Latics eventually went down 2-0 against the Barclays Premier League leaders to suffer an eighth successive defeat, for long spells they frustrated the Gunners with a solid defensive display.

Indeed, but for some less-than-composed finishing, most notably by striker Marcus Bent with a close-range header in the first half, they could easily have come away with a result.

Kilbane was asked to skipper the side yesterday by caretaker boss Frank Barlow, who could be replaced as assistant by Birmingham's Eric Black when Bruce gets his back-room team in place.

The Republic of Ireland midfielder, 30, revealed how Bruce - finally cleared for departure by the Blues on Friday - had personally given the team his input for the clash against the Gunners.

"We showed a bit more fight and spirit than we have been showing, but ultimately we have lost another game. However, we have not disgraced ourselves," Kilbane said.

"We looked solid throughout the team, and that is what we have to be for the rest of the season now - we have to be together.

"We have now got to start looking for some results, starting with next week against Manchester City."

Kilbane added: "I am sure there will be some futures which will be unclear, because the manager will be looking to bring in some players.

"We probably have got to strengthen, we have got to move forwards.

"So at the moment everyone's future is on the line. Players have got to impress."

Bruce is set to be officially unveiled at the JJB Stadium on Monday.

Kilbane feels the former Manchester United defender has already started to have an influence.

"The boss had about five minutes with us before we left the hotel, and said a few things, then also spoke to use before we went out, and afterwards," the Wigan midfielder revealed.

"It probably did lift us knowing he was there in the stands."

Barlow believes Bruce has the credentials to turn things around for Wigan, who remain second from bottom with only eight points from 14 matches.

He said: "He's got integrity. When he played he was a leader, when he was a captain he was a leader. And he takes that into management.

"We talk about leaders a lot in the game at the moment and we think they are far harder to find now than 25 years ago. He has that quality in abundance."

Barlow already has a close relationship with Bruce from when the former defender joined Birmingham, then under the tenure of Trevor Francis.

The 61-year-old is more than happy to be moving back behind the scenes.

He said: "I am very, very glad. I decided a long time ago it was something I didn't want to do.

"I like the training ground and that environment, but I'm not keen on the top job.

"You either say that's for me or that's not for me. Almost straight away you know.

"It's so introspective, you don't know what else is going on in the world."