Source: Eurosport
Bruce delight at Bent England call-up
Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has backed Darren Bent's call-up to the England squad for Saturday's friendly against Brazil in Qatar.[LNB] Bruce signed Bent in a club-record £10million deal from Tottenham over the summer and the 25-year-old has made an immediate impact with eight goals in the Barclays Premier League.[LNB] Bruce told the club's official website: "Darren is a top lad with an immaculate work-rate on and off the pitch and it's a testament to his record and attitude that Mr (Fabio) Capello has decided to add him to the squad."[LNB] He added: "If you look at the number and type of goals he's scored this season, it shows what a well-rounded player he is.[LNB] "When we first signed him, I was amazed at his natural ability in front of goal and said to myself 'this lad's going to be a top player for this club, that's for sure'."[LNB] Bent was expected to be called-up for the recent World Cup qualifiers against Ukraine and Croatia but was overlooked with Capello instead plumping for the less prolific Emile Heskey, Gabriel Agbonlahor and Carlton Cole.[LNB] Bruce has revealed the snub never affected Bent's performances.[LNB] He added: "The fact he's kept going after not making other squads shows the type of lad he is - I'm absolutely over the moon for him."
