Source: Northern_Echo
Bruce full of praise for star man
SUNDERLAND manager Steve Bruce hailed the emergence of Fraizer Campbell after the Black Cats despatched Tottenham in a scintillating contest at the Stadium of Light.[LNB] Darren Bent's goals and penalty misses may have provided main talking points after the Wearsiders saw off their north London counterparts.[LNB] But Campbell presided over several sub plots during the triumph in an eye-catching, energetic and inventive display.[LNB] The 22-year-old's header from Keiran Richardson's corner set up the Black Cats' first goal; his pace and trickery won the hosts' second penalty of the afternoon when he was fouled by Luka Modric, while he played a part in setting up Jordan Henderson to provide Bolo Zenden with the opportunity to net Sunderland's third goal.[LNB] Campbell was subbed and trudged off to a standing ovation with only a minute to go.[LNB] The Black Cats boss revealed he substituted his young striker so he could milk the applause from an appreciative audience they unduly obliged.[LNB] He has waited patiently (for his chance) because of Bent and (Kenwyne) Jones, said the 49-year-old Bruce. When the chips have been down Fraizer is one of them that has come to the party. There has been six or seven of them but Fraizer has been one of them and I'm particularly delighted with him.[LNB] He is as game as a pebble and he will develop into a really good player, I'm convinced about that.[LNB] Campbell is one of several former Spurs players at Sunderland although only Bent and Steed Malbranque faced their old club alongside him.[LNB] While there is no doubt he was motivated by playing against his ex-colleagues, Bruce believed it was without question the best he has played for Sunderland since his arrival on Wearside from Manchester United in a £3.5 deal in the summer.[LNB] Bruce added: Although he played really well at Villa; he didn't have a kick at Liverpool last week, but then no one did.[LNB] But that was his best game here.[LNB] Campbell's strike partner also praised the emergence of the former Manchester United starlet.[LNB] He's playing really well and is benefiting from a long run in the team, said Bent. He hasn't looked back since being given his chance. David Meyler was also fantastic. He was one of our top men and has become a real main man. He is making himself undroppable.[LNB]
