Sunderland boss Steve Bruce says Darren Bent deserves his latest England call.

Bent was expected to be called-up for the recent World Cup qualifiers against Ukraine and Croatia but was overlooked with Capello instead plumping for the less prolific Emile Heskey, Gabriel Agbonlahor and Carlton Cole.

Bruce has revealed the snub never affected Bent's performances.

"The fact he's kept going after not making other squads shows the type of lad he is - I'm absolutely over the moon for him."