Bramble focused on 'Magic 40'

With no wins in their last eight games, Latics are yet to reach the 40-point mark many regard as a safety-net for Premier League survival.

Speaking after Wednesday night's disappointing loss to West Ham Titus Bramble spoke of how he is determined to build on the strong performances the defence have put in this season and clear the 40-point hurdle:

"We're enjoying some good performances at the back, and we're at a stage where Boycey, Scharner and myself are all comfortable playing with each other and forming different partnerships.

"We want to hit that magical 40-point mark, that's really important to us. It's fortunate that teams below us keep getting beat so we'll make sure we get back to winning ways soon.

"Unfortunately we've lost our last two games now and we want to get another game underway to rectify that.

"We'll have to work hard in training and focus on getting three points at Sunderland."

Bramble also gave his analysis of the West Ham game, applauding the goal that separated the two teams:

"We're disappointed to lose the game of course, especially after having lots of possession.

"It was a really stop and start type of game that never got a chance to get going and it didn't suit us.

"We made some changes to try and get back into the game but unfortunately we just couldn't do it.

"Carlton Cole's a good player who has come on leaps and bounds and his goal was superb. The one touch football they played tore us apart and we couldn't do much about it."