Cats’ fringe stars stake their claim in cup win

Aug 25 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

STEVE Bruce has warned his first team regulars “five or six” of the fringe men who blitzed Norwich City in the Carling Cup are knocking on the first-team door.

The Black Cats boss is also ready to spend again before the transfer window slams shut, confirming Egypt international defender Ahmed Al-Muhammadi is set to sign on a season-long loan.

Bruce says the 21-year-old right-back, currently with Egyptian side Ennpi, is “one for the future”.

With John Mensah set to finally sign a season-long loan from Lyon before the end of the week – and Bruce not ruling out further signings before the end of the month – he has plenty of selection dilemmas to ponder before the trip to Stoke on Saturday.

He said: “The boy Muhammadi could be coming in. We are looking at that at the moment, but it will be a loan deal, a season-long loan deal. He would be one for the future, I would say.

“John Mensah is waiting for his Visa to be stamped. We hope to bring him to the club over the next two or three days.

“Whether we go for anything else as well – we will see.

“I already have plenty of options, as people can see. I have only been here for two months, and the longer you see the squad the better it is.

“All of the players have come to the party in some way or another and asked a few questions. There are five or six knocking on the door big style to try and get in the team.” Andy Reid enhanced his chances of a starting role with two excellent goals in last night’s 4-1 win, while goalkeeper Craig Gordon made a terrific return to action with two fine saves in the first half.