Source: Northern_Echo
Bruce delighted with Welbeck's surprise debut
SUNDERLAND boss Steve Bruce claims Danny Welbeck's maiden call up to the full England squad is a fitting reward for the striker's performances since moving to Wearside last summer.[LNB] Welbeck made a surprise debut during last night's friendly with Ghana, having replaced Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon who withdrew with injury on Monday night.[LNB] The 20-year-old, who is on a season-long loan from Manchester United, has been a key member of Stuart Pearce's Under-21 side and scored in last Friday's 4-0 win over Denmark.[LNB] And while Fabio Capello's decision to promote him to the senior set up came somewhat out of the blue, Bruce feels it was fully justified given the strength of Welbeck's club performances this season.[LNB] It was great news for Sunderland, and for the boy who really deserves the accolades, said the Black Cats boss. It's testament to what he's achieved since being here that he has not only played for the Under-21s regularly this season, but has now had the chance to meet up with the England squad, which is a valuable experience in itself.[LNB] The only downside to Welbeck's elevation, of course, is the fact that it will not have gone unnoticed at Old Trafford.[LNB] Bruce will speak with Sir Alex Ferguson at the end of the season, and while he has already accepted there is little chance of engineering a permanent deal for the youngster, he had been hoping to propose a second season-long loan deal.[LNB] Whether Ferguson will be receptive to such an offer remains to be seen, as the rate of Welbeck's progress means he is now at a level that would enable him to compete for a regular place in Manchester United's first-team squad.[LNB] Yesterday's developments merely highlight the striker's newly-elevated standing, although Ferguson's fondness for Javier Hernandez means he would probably still only be the fourth-choice striker on United's books. Bruce will be hoping that is a scenario that is not particularly appealing to Welbeck.[LNB] The extent of Sunderland's ambitions could also come into the equation, and with John Mensah, Sulley Muntari and Asamoah Gyan all featuring for Ghana, last night's game saw four Black Cats players involved on the squad list.[LNB] To have four players from Sunderland in what was essentially a bit of a glamour friendly was really something and it showed what these lads are all about, said Bruce.[LNB] All four have shown real ability this season, and for the Ghanaian lads, getting to the World Cup quarter-finals last summer shows how good they are. Having four lads from Sunderland should have made the fans really proud.[LNB] Meanwhile, loanee Michael Kay has confirmed his desire to sign a permanent contract with Tranmere Rovers once his loan deal at the League One club finishes in May.[LNB]
