Source: Northern_Echo
It’s time to do it Bruce’s way
STEVE BRUCE believes that Kieran Richardson can play a major role in saving Sunderland's season but only if he does it the gaffer's way.[LNB] At the start of the campaign Richardson was hailed by Bruce as having the potential to be a big player for Sunderland.[LNB] He was not the first Black Cats boss to make that claim about the Manchester United academy product who has struggled for fitness and form throughout the season.[LNB] Bruce is prepared to shoulder some of the blame for Richardson's disappointing run, accepting that he has used the Londoner in a variety of roles to plug gaps in his injury-ravaged side.[LNB] The manager believes that Richardson's failure to hold down a settled position has prevented him from fulfilling his unquestionable ability.[LNB] The Black Cats go to Arsenal tomorrow afternoon with at least four first team midfielders absent, so Richardson will again be asked to play out of his preferred attacking midfield position.[LNB] Bruce makes no apology for tasking the 25-year-old with a role on the left flank and is prepared to play hardball should the player voice any concerns regarding team formation.[LNB] Richardson need only look at the spat Bruce had with Paul Scharner during his spell as Wigan Athletic boss to realise that it will be better if he accepts his manager's instructions without question.[LNB] Bruce regarded Scharner as an out-and-out central defender while the Austria international believed he was better suited to a midfield role.[LNB] The manager's decision was upheld but it led to reports of a fall-out between the pair; Richardson would do well to take heed.[LNB] Kieran is undoubtedly a very talented footballer and it is to his detriment that I have used him in four or five positions,[LNB] admitted the manager.[LNB] Basically, because of the injury situation I have used him the way I have.[LNB] That might have affected his form a little bit and then there's the calf injury and the recurrence, he has been a huge loss to us.[LNB] He has been the one I have slotted in all over the place.[LNB] Off the top of my head, I've used him at left-back, lefthand side midfield, centremidfield and off the front. It is not necessarily Kieran's fault so it would be nice to see him fit, that's for sure because he can still play a big part in our season.[LNB] With Andy Reid out (strained hamstring), he's got a chance on the left although I think his preferred position is in the centre to be honest.[LNB] If you ask him, that's what he enjoys the most but he has played everywhere for me.[LNB] Where do I think is his best position Probably leftback but he would never say that or left-hand side.[LNB] I had a similar one at Wigan in Paul Scharner. He was a centre-half and he used to think he was a midfield player.[LNB] Kieran would want to play off the front, at No. 10, that's where he would want to play.[LNB] But I have always played two strikers so we don't play the system for him to play in that position.[LNB] Bruce had all eight of his defenders back in training yesterday, with fit again Anton Ferdinand and John Mensah expected to make the trip to the Emirates.[LNB] The manager ruled out playing Bolo Zenden alongside Lorik Cana but admitted he could employ a defender in a midfield holding role. Mensah's experience and versatility would seem to make him the leading candidate but there are lingering doubts over the Ghanaian's ability to complete a game.[LNB] After noting that Sunderland have not won since their victory over the Gunners in November, Bruce added: There is always a couponbuster and shock so I hope we can play well.[LNB] I have all my defenders fit for the first time since August, which is quite incredible but there is a resilience coming back and in seven games we could have won one or two.[LNB] We need to take the monkey off our back and win a game and why not Arsenal, we have done it before.[LNB]
