Michael Turner dreaded debut

Sep 14 2009 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

Turner has been signed by Bruce with the intention of giving his defence more aerial strength, although Hull’s goal still came from a set-piece when Lorik Cana lost Zayette at a corner.

“That’s why we’ve particularly brought him here because he does the things a centre-back is supposed to do,” said Bruce, who will try hard to make sure nobody at the Stadium of Light gets carried away with the positive start to the new season.

“He’s a big header of the ball and he’s got a goal today. I think he got eight or nine last year, he’s always capable and that’s why I’ve brought him here. He’s that type of old fashioned centre-half and there aren’t too many of them around anymore.

“But the one thing that’s surprised me is that he’s also very, very decent on the ball. He never really gives it away. That’s what he’s here for. As far as I’m concerned it was his goal as well, you’ve got to give it to the lad.”

Meanwhile, Darren Bent has admitted he would have tried to pass the ball to Fraizer Campbell in the build up to Sunderland’s crucial third goal when he was at Tottenham.

Bent is revelling in his new role with the Black Cats and argued Bruce has rebuilt the confidence which had been shattered at Spurs.

He said: “I think in the last couple of seasons I might have tried to pass the ball for my second goal, but confidence is high and since I have been here, it’s been fantastic.

“Four out of five is a great record which I want to keep going. Some managers rate some players, some’ don’t. It is just the case Harry Redknapp did not fancy me.

“But I want to show what a good player I am and the new boss has always had every confidence in me.

“He believes in me. He was behind me 100 % during the transfer negotiations and kept ringing me saying ‘we are going to get it done’.”