Bruce's quest to bring a new striker to the Stadium of Light before Wednesday's transfer deadline expired looked destined to fail after he lost out to Stoke in the battle to sign striker Peter Crouch.
With Bendtner away on international duty with Denmark, a move for the unsettled Gunners frontman looked unlikely but his father stepped in to negotiate the terms of his loan move, which could result in a permanent £8 switch if the 23-year-old impresses.Bendtner played a starring role in helping Birmingham win promotion to the Premier League in 2006-7 when Bruce was in charge at St Andrew's, scoring 13 goals in 48 appearances, and the Black Cats manager is backing the striker to bring an added dimension to his strikeforce.
Bruce told the Northern Echo: "I've had the privilege of working with Nicklas previously. I had him as an 18-yearold and he helped clinch promotion with Birmingham with me. He is an outstanding talent and is a big, physical presence who will lead the line magnificently for us."
Source: DSG
