The Latics are five points clear of the Barclays Premier League relegation zone after Emile Heskey salvaged a point for the side for the second time in six days.

Heskey grabbed a 12th-minute equaliser just seven minutes after Dimitar Berbatov had given Spurs a flying start at the JJB Stadium by sidefooting home his 23rd goal of the season.

The result now means Wigan will remain in the top flight for a fourth successive season if they take three points from their JJB Stadium clash with another of their relegation rivals in Reading.

"Bolton's result (a 1-0 win at Middlesbrough) has given them a lifeline, of course it has," assessed Bruce.

"But the position is we've gone up two places in the table, so it's in our hands.

"If we beat Reading then we're safe, and we can't ask for anything better than that with three games to play, so it's all to play for."

Bruce was grateful for the draw given the way Spurs started the game, appearing anything but a team with nothing to play for.

"I was pleased with the point because Tottenham, particularly in the first half hour - and Berbatov in particular - were excellent," added Bruce.

"It's possibly the best anybody has played against us of late given the way the pitch has been playing.

"I thought they were very good, especially in the forward areas, which shows good players can still play on a bad pitch because he (Berbatov) caused us all sorts of problems.

"But it was typical of the team. We changed things tactically after the break and came more into the game."

Although Berbatov was denied what appeared to be a clear penalty in the first half when hauled down by Wigan captain Mario Melchiot, Marcus Bent should have wrapped it up for the Latics in the second period.

But after being sent clear by Wilson Palacios, the striker crashed a drive against the crossbar on the hour.

"Who knows? If Benty had been a couple of inches lower then he could have won us the game," remarked Bruce.

"It was a wonderful pass from Palacios, he (Bent) has taken it well, and you just think 'hit the target - goal.'

"But unfortunately there are fine margins, and today it wasn't our day."

Berbatov, though, had one of those days as he might have scored his side's goal, but there were periods when he came across as being indifferent.

His agent has further stirred the pot this week by stating his player deserves Champions League football, which Spurs certainly cannot offer next season.

Asked whether he was fed up of Emil Dantchev, manager Juande Ramos said: "It's not an issue that worries or concerns me.

"I'm here to maintain the form and preparation of the team, and agents are on the margins of what I'm here to do at Tottenham."

Questioned as to Berbatov's apparent disinterest at this stage of the season, Ramos added: "He has a particular style of play.

"Every player has their own style of play which is not something we can change or set about trying to change.

"But I have a good relationship with all the players at the club."

In many respects, Spurs mirrored Berbatov as they started superbly, only to fade the longer the game went on.

"We wanted to play at the same lively tempo we started with," added Ramos.

"Our first-half performance was magnificent, but after the goals were scored - and theirs in particular - the wind was perhaps taken out of our sails.

"But Wigan are a physically imposing team. They earn and deserve great respect for the performances they have put in here at the JJB.

"The condition of the pitch was perhaps less than superb, which inhibited what we were able to do."