Source: Team_Talk
Bruce won't rush Meyler return
Sunderland boss Steve Bruce says he will take a careful approach with David Meyler after the midfielder began his return to competitive action.[LNB] The young Irishman played the first 30 minutes of the reserves' 2-1 defeat to Liverpool as he took his first tentative steps back from a six-month absence with knee ligament damage.[LNB]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.[LNB]"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.[LNB]"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."[LNB]Meyler is in agreement with his manager, and added: "I don't have any specific targets just yet. I'll just see what the medical staff tell me over the next few days. They know best so I'll just keep working as hard and train towards the (reserve) match against Blackburn on Monday.[LNB]"It just feels really nice to be playing after a long time out. The rehab has gone well and still is. I just want to get back out there and hopefully force my way back into the first team.[LNB]"I feel good. I've had roughly three hard weeks back in training with the first team. Obviously I'm not 100% fit yet but I felt good and I guess I'm just delighted to be back playing."[LNB]Meyler's half-hour cameo was always the plan and reserve-team manager Keith Bertschin said: "Of course David was a bit rusty, but the run-out will have done the lad the world of good.[LNB]"Obviously he needs a lot more games, but easy does it. David has taken a major stride in getting back on that pitch and now we must make sure he's come through it okay."[LNB]Victor Palsson added to Robbie Weir's own goal to give the visitors victory on a rain-drenched night in the north-east, Dan Madden heading Sunderland's second-half reply.[LNB]
