Bruce admits Sunderland need points against Portsmouth

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce admits they need victory against Portsmouth tonight.

Although Portsmouth are in turmoil, Sunderland have not won away from home in the Barclays Premier League since the opening day of the season.

“I knew when I came here that the club had fought off relegation for two years and I knew it would not always be a bed of roses,” the manager said. “The dressing-room is okay but disappointed and we have to deal with it and come through.

“Injuries and suspensions have affected us badly, but there’s nothing I would do differently with the benefit of hindsight. I’m the same manager that got us off to the start we had six months ago. We just need a result.”