STEVE Bruce will attempt to persuade Bolo Zenden to prolong his playing career at Sunderland – despite the Dutch international’s frustration at a lack of first-team opportunities.

Zenden played a key role in the Black Cats 2-1 win at Bolton Wanderers last weekend, but admitted after his first start since January he is contemplating whether he needs to leave in the summer.

At 34, the former Middlesbrough midfielder wants to make the most of what little time he has left as a player, and Bruce concurred with the view he still has enough quality to play in the Premier League. Despite conceding Zenden is not happy at the amount of games he has played, Bruce will fight to keep him, insisting he is a vital member of the squad even when he is stuck on the bench and a key part of his plans moving into his third season on Wearside.

“Bolo Zenden knows exactly what I think of him,” said Bruce, who intends to do most of his summer recruitment in attack rather than midfield.

“I would love to keep him at the football club.

“The frustration with Bolo is that he has not played an awful lot, he will not have played as much as he would have liked to.

“However, in and around the place, Bolo has always been terrific and having someone like that in your squad is important.

“I have heard coaching mentioned, but as far as I am concerned, Bolo still has plenty to offer as a player.

“He could play for another two years at the highest level, easy.

“He has always been a player who has looked after himself and I would have no worries at all on that score.”