Source: PA
Bruce calls for character
Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has called on his squad to show character as they attempt to halt a woeful run in the Barclays Premier League.
The 2-0 defeat at Everton, in which the side were beaten in the opening 18 minutes after a lacklustre and disorganised start, means the Black Cats have won just once in their last 13 league matches.
Defensively they were all over the place in the first half as a patched-up backline saw centre-half Matthew Kilgallon given a debut less than a week after joining from Coca-Cola Championship side Sheffield United.
Injuries to defender Nyron Nosworthy and midfielders Lee Cattermole and Kieran Richardson at Goodison Park have only compounded problems which have sidelined Phil Bardsley, Michael Turner and Anton Ferdinand.
Bruce believes he will have to bring in another defender before the transfer window closes in an attempt to shore things up but believes the players he has should be doing better.
"We need a bit of luck and a settled team but I am convinced we will get there," said the Black Cats boss, whose side are just three points above the relegation zone despite some significant spending in the summer. We've only been in the Premier League a couple of seasons and it is a big step up. Eventually we want to get established but to get there takes time and I sincerely hope I've we've got the characters."
