Sunderland boss Steve Bruce insists Darren Bent deserves England recognition.

Bent's form on Wearside has been such that he has been tipped to make a late charge into Fabio Capello's England squad for next summer's World Cup finals in South Africa.

But whatever happens on that front, Bruce could not be happier with the firepower at his disposal.

He said: "I don't think he has got anything to prove at all. He has done it all on the pitch over the last three or four months here.

"He's the top English goalscorer in the division and when you think of all the players in the Premier League, he is right up there at the top of the charts.

"We have all seen him for the last three or four months. He has been fantastic, so I hope he can just enjoy going back to Tottenham, score a goal - that would be nice - win the match - that would be even better - and that will certainly put a smile on his face."