STEVE Bruce believes Sunderland have recovered from the traumatic departure of Darren Bent – now he wants the win which will show they have got over a poor start to the season.

Last week Bruce was under pressure, knowing defeat at Bolton Wanderers would send his team into the relegation zone.

This being early in the season, victory over Bent’s Aston Villa today would move them into the top half of the Premier League.

Sunderland have not recorded back-to-back victories since beating Blackburn Rovers and Villa in the first week of 2011 and manager Bruce understands the psychological importance of doing it again. He said: “I would hope that would draw a line.

“I am going to have doubters from day one. I accept that, but victory would put us in a really strong position, top ten, quarter of the season gone. What is all the fuss about? I

“I will not be sidetracked, we are on the right way. I have a good group here, the best I have had. All I need now is that little bit of stardust, but the squad I have here is excellent, they have a great mentality.

“It is not easy to get back-to-back wins, but that is the Premier League. Look at the table and there is a familiar ring about it now, the top six or seven are there with one we did not expect (Newcastle United) – maybe not in the order we expected, but they all strengthened massive-style in the summer.”

Victory will take Sunderland into the top half for at least two hours.

Barring some unexpected results they should spend the weekend there.

Although the Black Cats finished tenth last season, 2011 has been a difficult year, starting with Bent’s sale for a fee which could rise to £24m.

Sunderland were unable to sign a replacement in the remaining fortnight of January – a problem compounded by injuries to Danny Welbeck, Fraizer Campbell and later Asamoah Gyan – and a season which started promisingly petered out.