Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has no regrets slashing his squad numbers in the summer.

England striker Darren Bent resumed training yesterday after missing the Aston Villa cup-tie on Tuesday with a knee injury and is expected to return tomorrow against West Ham, but George McCartney, Phil Bardsley and Bolo Zenden all face late fitness tests.

Bruce said: “I always knew that, in between the two windows, we would be a little bit light.

“But it was my decision and I would rather trim down the squad and have to use a couple of young players now and again than have 10 senior players being disgruntled and not involved."