STEVE Bruce has promised to take his time with David Meyler to ensure the midfielder’s latest comeback goes better than his last attempt.

But Sunderland’s manager believes the Irishman has the determination to ensure he has not played Premier League football for the last time. Meyler has played just 261 minutes of first-team football since damaging his cruciate knee ligaments on the final home game of the 2009-10 season.

He made his return for the reserves against Gateshead on Wednesday night, playing 45 minutes as planned.

The combative midfielder impressed in his debut season, earning a new five-year contract weeks before his original injury. That, and his popularity within the dressing room, means Sunderland are anxious to see him back playing for them again. But having seen the player suffer a relapse as he made his way back over the last Christmas period, manager Bruce has promised to be very cautious with the 22-year-old this time.

“He came through 45 minutes and that was a big plus point,” he said. “We wish the lad the best of luck.

“He’s had a really serious knee injury, but if there’s anybody going to get back playing it would be David.

“It was a small step but an important one.

“The important thing now though is not to rush him.

“We’ve got to keep the reins on him and ensure we do everything we can to help get him back.” Meyler’s last first-team action came at Aston Villa on January 5.

Team-mate Fraizer Campbell is also out with a serious knee injury exacerbated as he made his way back.

The centre-forward originally suffered the problem against Manchester City in August 2010.

He played reserve-team football last season, but broke down with another knee injury before he could feature in the first team.

Manchester United product Campbell is not expected to feature much before the end of the current campaign.