Bruce stands by slashing Sunderland squad numbers

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."