Ben Watson admits the chance to work with Steve Bruce was key to his decision to snub a move to Middlesbrough Football Club.

Boro looked to be on the verge of landing the midfielder from Crystal Palace in January, until Wigan Athletic and Bruce matched their offer.

"It was a tough decision but I think I made the right one. I was at Palace for 13 years and I think it was time for a change," said Watson.

"I was up in Middlesbrough and my agent made me aware Wigan were interested and as soon as I knew that I wanted to speak to them.

"I spoke to Steve, who was gaffer at Palace when I was a young lad there, and he was straightforward with me. He spoke highly of the club but walking into the training ground there was a buzz about the place.

"Being seventh in the Premier League you are going to be on a high and the lads were buzzing and that was probably the main factor.

"Wigan are in a fantastic position to crack on and push up the table even more."