Sunderland fans would love to have an England centre-forward at the World Cup, says manager Steve Bruce.

Darren Bent has prospered in the north east after a difficult spell at Tottenham, being voted player of the year in a poll on the club's website, and Bruce is convinced he can take his form onto the international stage.

Bruce said: "He has enjoyed being Sunderland's centre-forward, he has enjoyed the mantle of being the record signing here.

"When you look at the top of the charts - and for a team that's been in the bottom half of the league for the vast majority of the season - and you go Rooney, [Didier] Drogba, Bent, it's quite fantastic for us as a club and for him.

"It would be great if we could have Sunderland's centre-forward playing for England at the World Cup, great for him and great for us."