Steve Bruce hails ‘best English keeper’

Nov 27 2009 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal

“Apparently he was unbelievable in the first 25 minutes and made save after save to keep them in the match,” said Bruce. “To get beaten by nine will have hurt them all, particularly the keeper.”

With David James’ chances of playing in the World Cup threatened by a knee injury which leaves the Portsmouth number one unable to train for two days after playing, Bruce conceded it would be difficult for Fabio Capello to follow the tactic which has backfired on a number of previous England managers and travel to a major tournament with half-fit players.

“Obviously the risk with Chris is the problem,” he admitted. “If you take him as part of your squad and he breaks down, putting my managerial head on, you can see why he (Capello) might not be taking the risk.”

Meanwhile, striker Darren Bent has been shortlisted for the PFA Premier League Fans Award for November.

So far November has been a mixed month for the 25-year-old, who missed a penalty at former club Tottenham, was substituted at half-time against Brazil after forcing his way back into Capello’s plans, then scored the only goal of last week’s win over Arsenal.

The last of the remaining 3,000 away end tickets for the Black Cats’ final match before Christmas, away to Manchester City, sold out when they went on general sale yesterday.