Sunderland Football Club

• Nickname:Black Cats
• Founded:1879
• Manager:Paolo Di Canio

• Ground:Stadium of light
• Capacity:48353

Bruce optimistic over Benjani

02 Feb 2010 - 08:03:42

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Steve Bruce is hoping 'common sense prevails' and Sunderland are granted permission to sign Manchester City striker Benjani Mwaruwari outside the transfer window.

The Black Cats blamed communications problems for their failure to confirm the capture of the Zimbabwe international before Monday's 5pm transfer deadline.

Benjani has struggled to break into the first-team picture during two years at Eastlands, but Bruce believes the 31-year-old former Portsmouth striker would be a good acquisition for the Wearside club.

Speaking after Monday's goalless draw with Stoke City, Bruce revealed: "We had huge, huge difficulties with email and faxes so we hope a little common sense prevails.

"I think we've lodged everything in time, we've done everything we possibly can and I'm convinced we had everything in in time.

"The paperwork was lodged but we had some huge, huge difficulties and we informed both the Premier League and the FA at the time of those.

"We wait to find out but I hope we are granted the player, who would be a huge boost to us."