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Steve Bruce defends Danny Collins decision

Sep 15 2009 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

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STEVE Bruce has once again defended his decision to allow Danny Collins to leave Sunderland as he argued his summer recruitment meant there was still plenty of cover in his squad.

Collins’ versatility made him an excellent squad player and many supporters were bemused by Bruce’s willingness to sell the defender – who can play in every position across the back four – to their Premier League rivals Stoke City before the close of the transfer window.

But Bruce is relaxed about the controversial call he made and insisted he had enough quality to ensure George McCartney’s latest injury problems would not leave the Wearsiders exposed.

He said: “I’ve seen Kieran (Richardson) playing at left-back in the Champions League and I’ve seen (John) Mensah play there for Lyon in the Champions League also. It was never really an issue.

“The issue was, with Danny in particular, was do I take that money for someone who is going to be 30 on his next birthday? I thought that was a good piece of business.”

Richardson was drafted in to cover at left-back against Hull City on Saturday and he was rarely troubled in a comprehensive 4-1 victory for Bruce’s

men. However, other, sterner tests will come for a player who is far more comfortable moving forward than backwards.

And Bruce will be hoping Mensah – who came off the bench in the second half for his Sunderland debut – settles in quickly at the club.

Bruce’s squad is also being stretched on the other flank as Phil Bardsley hurt his knee at the weekend, while Darren Bent was denied the opportunity to score a hat-trick against the Tigers as he has a slight groin strain.

Mensah covered for Bardsley when he was taken off midway through the second half and the Ghana international is in line to make his first start against Burnley next weekend, with Fraizer Campbell keeping his starting berth up front if Bent does not recover this week.

Meanwhile, Bent believes Sunderland have plenty of improvements to make as a new-look side continues to gel, despite the positive start to life under Bruce.