Source: Team_Talk
Bruce keeps focus on survival
Steve Bruce will not make any decisions on Alan Hutton, Phil Bardsley, or any other player until Sunderland are safe in the Premier League.[LNB] Bruce is already drawing up a list of potential targets for the summer, and will head for the World Cup finals in South Africa as part of his recruitment mission.[LNB] Hutton has impressed during his loan spell from Saturday's opponents Tottenham and is likely to be on the manager's summer wish-list, while Bardsley, the man the Scot has replaced in recent weeks, has hinted he might have to look elsewhere for regular football.[LNB]But Bruce is currently thinking no further ahead than the three points he believes will be enough to guarantee the Black Cats a fourth successive season in the top flight.[LNB]He said: "I haven't had any conversation with the owner or the chairman yet about next year.[LNB]"I am sure once we are safe, we will have those conversations."[LNB]Bruce has made little secret of his admiration for Hutton, who is ineligible for the clash with his parent club under the terms of the loan agreement.[LNB]The 25-year-old Scotland international had played all eight games since his arrival on Wearside until a hip flexor injury kept him out of last Sunday's 3-0 defeat at Liverpool.[LNB]Bruce said: "[Spurs boss] Harry [Redknapp] let us borrow Alan Hutton at a vital time for us, and Alan, for me, has been one of the reasons why we have been better since Christmas.[LNB]"He has come in and played very, very well for us, so for that, we are very thankful."[LNB]Hutton's contribution has limited Bardsley's opportunities, and the former Manchester United defender has admitted his desire for regular football may leave him with a big decision.[LNB]Bruce can understand the 24-year-old's frustration.[LNB]He said: "I have known Phil a long, long time and I have had no problems with his attitude for it.[LNB]"He's a great lad who gives everything he has got. It boils down to the situation - he is not playing regularly.[LNB]"He has seen Alan Hutton come to the club and he has got fierce competition.[LNB]"We will deal with Phil in the right way, in the right manner and see what develops from there."[LNB]Hutton's enforced absence this weekend could hand Bardsley another chance, although there could be at least one change in defence.[LNB]Bardsley and Kieran Richardson were drafted into the back four and Anton Ferdinand moved from left-back into the middle at Anfield with Hutton and John Mensah injured, although they had a better shape when Paraguay international Paulo da Silva was introduced after the break.[LNB]Da Silva could start for the first time since January against Spurs with Mensah's fitness a source of continuing frustration for player and manager alike.[LNB]Bruce said: "He will be 50-50 for the weekend. He has got this ongoing hamstring problem, unfortunately.[LNB]"John Mensah is an outstanding talent. We have all seen it - when he is in the team, we are far, far better.[LNB]"He is a fantastic defender who is unfortunately riddled with these problems.[LNB]"If he hadn't been, I have to be honest, I don't think he would be here because he is such a good player."
