Source: PA
Bruce won't rush Meyler return
Sunderland manager Steve Bruce insists he will take a cautious approach with David Meyler after the midfielder began his return to competitive action in last night's reserve-team clash with Liverpool.
The young Irishman played the first 30 minutes of a 2-1 defeat to Liverpool's second string as he took his first tentative steps back from a six-month absence with knee ligament damage.
And Bruce told the club's official website: "We have to be careful with David. He's done fantastically well and come through his first reserve game, but we're looking at at least Christmas and maybe the end of January.
"I've got to be true to him. He's a great boy and would play tomorrow if I'd let him, but we have to be careful and nurse him through.
"I'd say David needs a few more reserve games and another eight weeks' training before I'll even consider him for the first team."
