Source: Telegraph
Steve Bruce laments missed opportunity to sign Richard Dunne for Sunderland
Bruce identified Dunne one of his priorities for Sunderland in the transfer window last summer when he was on the Manchester City payroll but in the end his Aston Villa counterpart Martin O'Neill beat him to the centre-half's signature and a £5-million deal was struck. [LNB]"Geographically and because of the success they have had they, once they entered the fray I knew it would be tough," Bruce told reporters ahead of Tuesday night's Premier League clash. [LNB] Related ArticlesBruce backs Villa for Champions LeagueSunderland v Aston Villa: previewGiggs the 'total package'Anton Ferdinand out for at least a monthSpurs' King picks up fresh knee injurySunderland v Portsmouth: match preview"I was trying all summer to get him to the club but we were always hindered because we knew that Man City had to get a player in first that player being Joleon Lescott who they chased all summer. [LNB]"The longer it went the more I was thinking if someone does come in, geographically like an Aston Villa, then it will very difficult because you don't have to move your family and this that and the other. And let's not forget Villa qualified for Europe last season. [LNB]"So unfortunately it didn't come about but that's football but he has been excellent for them. Richard Dunne has possibly been his best signing but Martin O'Neill has also kept James Collins on the pitch and he always had problems. They have added a bit of steel to the team." [LNB]This will be Dunne's second visit to the Stadium of Light this season as he showed Bruce what he was missing with a masterful performance in the Carling Cup earlier this term. [LNB]Dunne and fellow centre-half Collins kept Sunderland striker Kenwyne Jones quiet as his team went through on penalties following a 0-0 after extra-time. [LNB]Bruce knows a thing or two about centre-halves because he led Manchester United to the summit of English football as he captained the Old Trafford team from central defense alongside Gary Pallister. [LNB]Tonight he is faced with a tricky decision over his defence with right-back Phil Bardsley back in contention against Villa following a one-match suspension that allowed Nyron Nosworthy stake his claim for his starting slot with a fine performance in the 1-1 draw against Portsmouth last weekend. [LNB]"I gave Nyron a new deal and he is sort of becoming a cult hero here and I can understand why," Bruce added. [LNB]"He epitomises what I like in a footballer. He might not be naturally blessed with skills but by God he gives you everything he has got and he 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. To be fair to Nuggsie so with Phil coming back into the fray from suspend it gives me a nice sort of headache rather than no headache at all." [LNB]Also back from a ban is Kieran Richardson. [LNB]"They will come straight back into the squad but I was very pleased with a lot of what happened on Saturday even though we all went away disappointed because it is the ultimate kick in the teeth when you are 20 seconds away from a win," Bruce said. [LNB]"That is twice it has happened. We could easily have been four points better off. We have another game to put it right. The one thing is that you will have to focus so that the disappointment will leave. They have to chance to put things right." [LNB]
