Source: Daily_Mail
Bruce faces Bardsley dilemma after cult hero Nyron Nosworthy's heroics
Sunderland manager Steve Bruce admits Nyron Nosworthy's stunning weekend performance has made life difficult for him this week.[LNB]Don't mess: Nosworthy gets above Portsmouth's Aruna Dindane at the weekend[LNB]The Jamaica international thoroughly entertained the Stadium of Light crowd on his return to the Sunderland side for Saturday's 1-1 draw with Portsmouth.[LNB]The former North East player of the year was a box of tricks, almost scored his first ever goal and even included a bizarre forward roll in his repertoire. [LNB]Nosworthy returned to the side as a stand-in for Phil Bardsley, whowas suspended for one game after picking up one booking and who isavailable for Aston Villa's visit on Tuesday night.[LNB]Bruce wasdelighted with the man of the match performance from the 29-year-old,who confirmed his popularity with home fans with a wholehearted,fun-filled display.[LNB]He said: 'I gave Nyron a new deal a few months ago and he is sort of becoming a cult hero here and I can understand why.[LNB]'Heepitomises what I like in a footballer. He might not be naturallyblessed with skills but, by God, he gives you everything he has got andhe certainly gives me headache.[LNB] 'He was arguably our best player on Saturday. I keep putting that down to the squad that you get your chance and you take it, and to be fair to "Nuggsie" he did that. With Phil coming back into the fray from suspension it gives me a nice sort of headache rather than no headache at all.'[LNB]Nosworthy was a Mick McCarthy signing, and one of the few to survive since the former Republic of Ireland boss left Wearside.[LNB] Returning: Phil Bardsley (right) will be back for Sunderland's midweek match[LNB]Roy Keane played him regularly and although Bruce has brought in numerous defenders in his short time at the club, he signed an improved deal last month but has made just five appearances this season.[LNB]The former Gillingham defender, who was converted into a centre-back by Keane, is happy to be patient and determined to enjoy any run in the side when it comes his way.[LNB]Nosworthy said: 'Everybody's got to try and take their chance. It's come at right back rather than centre back, but it's important to enjoy it when you get it because you've only got one career.[LNB]'You've got to enjoy your football because that makes you play well. Hopefully I did enough to keep me in the side. The manager is a fair man and he's really good at communicating with the boys.[LNB]'It seemed strange going back to right-back. I told myself it was going to be a different game in terms of running, so I had to prepare myself and make sure I had my oxygen mask.[LNB]'Phil is my pal and a solid defender. I was playing in his position because of suspensions and injuries and I know I have to take every chance I can get.[LNB]'I was told to get forward when I could and I guess that makes things a bit more exciting. Football is about entertainment as well as about doing your jobs. The more I could entertain people the better, but obviously as a defender I also have to defend.'[LNB] Sunderland boss Bruce handed a boost as midfielder Cattermole returnsSunderland 1 Portsmouth 1: Kaboul saves Pompey... and then gets sent offSCREAMER LIVE: Kanchelskis takes club job - plus more from football worldALL THE MIDWEEK BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE TEAM NEWSSUNDERLAND FC
