Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is delighted with the progress former club Birmingham City have made.

Bruce faces his former employers this weekend.

He told safc.com: "When you look at my career I spent the best part of 10 years at Birmingham and I have a great affinity with them. I had a wonderful time there and I'm glad to see they're doing well. I still look out for how they're doing.

"They've had a wonderful season and it just shows what spirit and togetherness can do. They've been very settled and you have to hold your hands up and say well done. Alex McLeish, his backroom staff and the board have operated very wisely and they're being rewarded for that.

"Alex has made some very shrewd signings. Joe Hart came on loan, Stephen Carr came out of retirement and the two centre halves came from the Championship.

"They have some great experience in the middle in Lee Bowyer and Barry Ferguson and I know all about Benitez up front - I tried to chase him for years."

Bruce added: "Our home form is extremely good and hopefully we can get three points which would set us up nicely."