Sunderland boss Steve Bruce feels they've now recovered from the sale of Darren Bent to Aston Villa.

The England man, 27, netted 32 goals in 58 games following his £15m move from Tottenham and his scorching strike rate has never been replaced.

Boss Bruce said: "He was my marquee signing, my first big one, so the big disappointment was how it ended so quickly.

"He was difficult to replace. There was no question we would miss him.

"I do believe the club has recovered - but the summer was like starting all over again.

"You are only as good as your strikers. You can find a hairy-a***d centre-half anywhere, they are 10 a penny. But a Premier League striker? Wow, they are gold dust."