Steve Bruce in challenge to Black Cats stars

Oct 16 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

SUNDERLAND boss Steve Bruce has challenged his players to earn the acclaim that came their way in the wake of their Old Trafford heroics.

The Black Cats were showered with praise in the wake of their swashbuckling performance against the champions, not least for the positive way that they approached the game.

While delighted with the display Bruce has warned his side to keep their feet on the ground – especially with another ‘big four’ test awaiting them on Saturday lunchtime.

The Sunderland boss feels that talk of progression will only be merited at the end of the campaign if they have improved significantly on last season’s dismal showing.

“I don’t want to get too carried away by (the Manchester United draw),” he told his club’s official website.

“I hope we have seen signs of progress but that’s all it is. The one thing I won’t do is get carried away because we have got Liverpool, then Birmingham, then Aston Villa all to come.

“I detect signs of improvement and I do believe that we’ve improved but the proof is in the pudding. Can we match that performance? And can we match it over five or six months?

“If we can, then I will tell you whether we deserve to be getting all acclaim that we’re getting at the moment.”

Bruce has already indicated that he will send his side out with positive intentions against Liverpool, having seen the approach pay dividends at Old Trafford.

“When you go there (Manchester United) teams are often frightened of the situation, if that’s the right word,” he said.