BRUCE RELIEVED IPSWICH MISSED CHANCES

Cattermole celebrates his goal for Wigan.

Wigan manager Steve Bruce felt his side's 4-1 Carling Cup victory over Ipswich highlighted the gulf between the Premier League and Championship.

The visitors were comfortable victors in the third round tie as, after Lee Cattermole's first goal for the club in the 51st minute was cancelled out by Jonathan Walters, Olivier Kapo, Paul Scharner and substitute Henri Camara ensured there was no upset.

But Bruce said it might have been a different story had the Tractor Boys taken some of their many chances in a goalless first half.

"I think that is the difference between the Premier League and the Championship," said Bruce.

"When you create that many chances and you don't take them, you're going to get punished.

"Ipswich caused us more problems than anyone else has. We ran out easy winners in the end but it was tough in the first half because Ipswich did very well."

Bruce singled out former Ipswich favourite Titus Bramble for praise for his resolute defensive performance.

Bramble, who left Ipswich for Newcastle in 2002, was made captain for the night on his first competitive return to his hometown club.

"I know Titus was here from eight years old," said Bruce.

"It was fantastic for him to come back. He has his critics. The one thing about him is he is made of stern stuff.

"For me, he was the outstanding player. I know for a fact he was looking forward to coming down here."

Bruce said the victory was partly down the battling spirit he has instilled in them.

"The one thing I have got here is people who don't want to be beaten," said Bruce.

"I was never blessed with any ability but what I demand is you work hard."

Ipswich boss Jim Magilton rued his side's missed chances but said he would take the positives out of the game.

"For 60 minutes we were very good," he said.

"We passed the ball very well. We created some really good chances against a Premier League team.

"We didn't take them. You are always wary they will come back to haunt you, which they did."

Magilton said he was disappointed with the manner in which his side conceded.

"They didn't have to work hard for their goals," he said.

"If you gift people of that quality those sort of opportunities they are obviously going to take them.

"The harsh reality of this game is such that you can't afford to switch off in the way we switched off at set-pieces.

"We were taught a few harsh lessons. We didn't compete for the first or second ball in the box. If you can't do that, you probably deserve to concede goals.

"We got ourselves back in the game with a fantastic goal but then shot ourselves in the foot."

Magilton, who revealed full-back Ben Thatcher had suffered a suspected torn thigh muscle, said his priority had always been the league.

"My aspirations lie in trying to get this club out of this division," said Magilton.