Sunderland boss Steve Bruce admits he can't believe he's managed to bring Lorik Cana to the Stadium of Light.

Bruce was amazed when Marseille agreed to sell their captain for £5million in July.

Bruce said: "I first saw him when I went to see Marseille v Liverpool. He rattled into Stevie G with his first tackle. But what impressed me most was his overall enthusiasm. You didn't have to watch him for very long to realise what he had.

"He was a cult figure down there in Marseille - which is not easy. Now he is a cult figure here and I did predict that at the time I signed him.

"But I didn't think I had any chance of getting him as he was captain. Then there was a change of coach when Didier Deschamps came in this summer. He brought in players of his own and that freed up Lorik to leave."

Cana's no-nonsense, combative style has already earned him five yellow cards and a suspension which ruled him out of yesterday's game at Tottenham.

But Bruce said: "He adores playing in England. The style is his cup of tea. He enjoys the physical challenges.

"People questioned why I made him captain, but you only have to watch him to see what he brings to the team. He is an intelligent boy, a good looking one and has a big fan club, especially among the ladies.

"But Lorik tackles and challenges for every header. He has been a breath of fresh air."