Source: PA
We need to hit the ground running - Bruce
Sunderland manager Steve Bruce is confident his side can put a "terrible" pre-season behind them as they begin their quest for a top-10 place against Birmingham at the Stadium of Light.
Bruce has seen injuries and the World Cup disrupt his plans while the Black Cats have been one of the busier clubs in the transfer market, with eight players in and seven out.
He said: "There's always a feelgood factor at the start of the season. It's been a difficult pre-season with the World Cup, with injuries and transfers and all the rest of it.
"But there's nothing quite like the first game of the season and, even though we've had a terrible July and August, they'll be hot and we'll look forward to the challenge again."
