Steve Bruce stands by his decision to slash Sunderland's squad numbers over the summer.

The Black Cats prospered with a fit and firing squad in the first couple of months of the season.

However, their fortunes have dipped as key men like midfield terrier Lee Cattermole, striker Kenwyne Jones and Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon have faced prolonged spells on the sidelines with injuries.

"We've been hindered with suspensions and key injuries to our big players. It has stopped our progress but we will be better when we get them all back," Bruce told The Journal.

"Do I regret the decision to cut the size of the squad? Definitely not. The football club needed it. If you carry too many you're in trouble and certainly in Dean Whitehead, Greg Halford, Danny Collins and people like that the time was right for them to go.

"We have just been unfortunate. We have had big injuries and nasty injuries and that can affect any team. You see even a team like Liverpool struggle without their best two.

"That is the chance you take. I knew we had 16, 17, 18 games to come through but given the chance again I would do exactly the same thing because that is what I believe is best for the club."