Bent to stay if Wigan survive

Marcus Bent will commit his future to Wigan this summer providing the club retain their place in the Barclays Premier League.

Bent has been on loan from Charlton since the end of August, and although initially signed by Chris Hutchings, current boss Steve Bruce is willing to keep the striker at the JJB Stadium.

The 29-year-old has contributed eight goals in Wigan’s fight for survival, although he has yet to score since just before Christmas, a run of 14 appearances.

The £5million arrival of Marlon King at the end of January did not aid Bent’s cause, but he has forced his way back into the starting line-up for the last three matches.

Bent, who is almost certain to partner Emile Heskey in attack for tomorrow’s visit of Tottenham, is happy to stay, although he appreciates avoiding the drop is the first target.

“I had a chat with the boss in January, and if we stay up then there should be a contract, which is something I’d very much like,” Bent told PA Sport.

“If we do stay up and the contract is right then I will definitely sign. I’ve settled very well at this club. There are a lot of lads I’ve either played with or met throughout life.

“It’s a good club, very homely, family-based, and that goes with the players as well.

“We believe in each other, we stand up and fight for each other, which is something I believe in and I like.”

Bruce confirmed: “We’d love to do something with him, that’s for sure. He would deserve it given his performances, so we will sit down in the summer with his representatives, but only if we stay in the Premier League.”

Bent concedes to being surprised at Wigan’s plight this season as he joined following a strong start made under Hutchings.

A dramatic slide followed, resulting in Hutchings’ sacking and the arrival of Bruce who has guided the Latics away from the drop zone and potentially a win away from safety.

“When I joined I think the boys were in 10th at the time,” added Bent.

“There have been injuries, loss of form and confidence has dipped, but there can be no excuses. The manager then came in, fired up the lads and brought in a few players which we maybe needed to provide competition and quality, and it’s worked.

“I think we just want to get this season out of the way and start again next season, taking the confidence we have now into that.

“Hopefully we will go into it with fresh minds and a fresh goal, emulate the start we made to this season, but then stay in the top half of the table.

“I don’t want to jump the gun, and I’m a realist because these last two years we’ve been in a relegation battle.

“But you must have ambition, you have to try and better yourself, and whilst the priority for this club is to stay in the Premier League, we have to try to get into the top half.”

For now, Bent recognises until they are safe, they cannot afford to look to far ahead.

“I don’t think the fat lady has sung yet!” remarked Bent.

“It’s very nervy right now because we know there are teams behind us, that we still have to pick up points and that we can’t rest yet.

“We are quietly confident because we’ve that little bit of a gap, and I think one more win should be enough.

“It’s been a long, hard season and staying up will be a good end, so we just have to keep ticking away.”

Bruce has virtually a full squad to choose from with the exception of defenders Erik Hagen (illness) and Erik Edman (knee).