Source: Team_Talk
Bruce gives green light to Gyan
Sunderland boss Steve Bruce will unleash Asamoah Gyan on Stoke under orders to prove him right over his decision to sell Kenwyne Jones.[LNB] The Black Cats' £13million-plus record signing will make his first Premier League start against the Potters on Saturday on the day Jones, who left Wearside for the Britannia Stadium in an £8million summer switch, returns.[LNB]Bruce decided the time had come to cash in on the Trinidad and Tobago international and invested the proceeds and a good deal more in Gyan following his superb World Cup campaign with Ghana.[LNB]The 24-year-old has had to remain patient since his arrival with his only start to date coming in the Carling Cup third round defeat by West Ham on September 21.[LNB]But in the wake of last Sunday's derby humiliation at Newcastle, Bruce has decided the time is now right to give him his head, and he is expecting fireworks.[LNB]He said: "He is something different. I am sure he will be a big hit in the Premier League.[LNB]"He is a little bit off the wall and he will do things that will frustrate you, but he's got that little bit of brilliance that can win you a match.[LNB]"We have invested a lot of money in the kid and I hope he can come in and give us the spark which the crowd will enjoy.[LNB]"It's a response to what happened last week. Our Achilles heel is we haven't scored enough, so I just think it is right, after what has happened this week, that we give the kid his chance and say, 'Here we go'.[LNB]"I think he can give everybody a spark and a lift."[LNB]Sunderland desperately need a lift after a week of intense soul-searching following the debacle at St James' Park, in which the promoted Magpies romped to a 5-1 victory over their nearest and dearest.[LNB]Darren Bent's late strike, his eighth of the season, proved no consolation whatsoever, and he may welcome a little assistance in attack after playing for much of the campaign to date as a lone striker.[LNB]Bruce said: "Darren has played very, very well and his goal tally is there for everybody to see again.[LNB]"But I am sure he will enjoy a bit of help, I would have thought, so we will go with that."[LNB]Bent and Gyan remain the only men to have found the back of the net for the Black Cats this season - the Ghanaian is in joint second place in the scoring stakes with two, Sunderland having benefited from two own goals.[LNB]However, Bruce is confident his decision to part with Jones, who has five to his name for Stoke so far, was the right one.[LNB]He said: "I don't think Kenwyne will have anything to prove. We all know here Kenwyne on his day is a very, very good player.[LNB]"I just think it ran its course here and in management, you make big decisions.[LNB]"It enabled me to bring in Asamoah and do something a little bit different, so I wish him well.[LNB]"There was never any falling out, as some people said. I wish him well in his career - but obviously not Saturday."[LNB]Supporters who watched Andy Carroll and Shola Ameobi dismantle Sunderland's previously impressive defence last weekend could be forgiven for fearing the worst as Stoke head north with their reputation preceding them.[LNB]However, Bruce is confident that, even without the suspended Titus Bramble, his team will not be found wanting again.[LNB]He said: "Hey listen, we didn't handle the situation at all last week. I am sure we will be much, much better this week.[LNB]"Well, we can't be any worse. We will definitely be better."[LNB]
