Steve Bruce is thrilled as Black Cats win

Sep 23 2009 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

“We asked for a reaction after the Burnley game and we have got it. It’s going to take time to get where we want to be, but we seem to be going in the right direction again.”

Bruce was particularly pleased with John Mensah at the heart of the back four and the Ghana international, on loan from Lyon with a view to a permanent move, looks a superb signing.

“I tried to sign him last summer, but he went to Lyon for something like £9m and I missed out on that occasion,” said Bruce. “I’m delighted to get him because I’ve always felt he was a top player and we have seen that tonight.

“He is good in the air and on the ground, he’s an excellent player and he also deserved a goal. It should have stood, I don’t know why the referee ruled it out in the second half, but there you go.

“Anton Ferdinand must realise he has a bit of competition for a place in the side now. He’s got that quality, he’s the captain of his country, as is Paulo Da Silva, and they have given me plenty of food for thought in terms of the team for Wolves at the weekend. Can those players play in the Premier League if they need to? On the evidence of tonight they can.”