Steve Bruce believes that Sunderland can pick up points in their upcoming Premier League fixtures after a run of disappointing results.

The North East club have recorded just two wins this season, and sit as many points above the relegation zone in the league table.

Despite the Black Cats' undesirable start to the league campaign, Bruce thinks that his team should be given some credit.

"I only think we have played badly once, which was Norwich," Sky Sports News quotes Bruce as saying. "In the games we have played, we have shown a bit of character and something about us.

"We gave a great account of ourselves at Anfield, we did well at the Emirates and we did very well at Old Trafford, where we could have picked up something.

"But the way we have played has encouraged me to say we are not far short. It will take a little bit of time."

Sunderland take on Wigan Athletic at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.