Darren Bent hailed the influence of Sunderland midfielder Steed Malbranque in their 2-2 draw at Liverpool.

Crucial to Sunderland's recent away form has been Bent's old Tottenham Hotspur team-mate Malbranque.

"He's quality," the England striker said. "My dad, he's a real football man and he's always saying Steed can do so much damage when he plays down the middle."