SUNDERLAND'S successful pursuit of Sulley Muntari and Stephane Sessegnon is evidence of the club's growing reputation abroad, according to the first African player to sign for Steve Bruce.

John Mensah is extremely proud to have played his part in persuading Muntari to sign on loan from Inter Milan until the end of the season.

The £6m capture of Benin international Sessegnon is another feather in the Black Cats’ cap.

The double signing takes the number of African players on Wearside to five and Mensah – who is in contention to start against Chelsea tomorrow night after recovering from an ankle injury – is thrilled to see how far Sunderland have come since last season.

Bruce is still pondering whether to add another striker to his squad to compensate for the loss of Darren Bent, but he is relaxed about the situation and will only do anything if a bargain suddenly emerges before tonight’s 11pm deadline.

Mensah, who has also welcomed Sessegnon’s arrival on Wearside, said: “I had spoken to Sulley before he came here, I told him what Sunderland was like.

“We all know he (Muntari) is a good player, he helped Portsmouth to win the FA Cup and he had a really successful time.

“When he was at Inter Milan he won two league titles and the European Cup so he has fantastic ability. He is a big player.

“We have played many times for Ghana and he will improve the team.

“He could be very important for us.

“He is hard-working and he is different to the other midfielders.

“He is used to English football as well, so he should not need much time to adapt now he is back. I

believe he is going to be a very good player for us. He knows Sunderland are a big team and their reputation around the world is growing.

“I have told Sulley this, but he already knew how well we are doing.

“There are three Ghana players now at Sunderland. It makes me very proud and if we do well in the Premier League it will help other Ghana players as well.”