Bruce keeps focus on survival

Steve Bruce will not make any decisions on Alan Hutton, Phil Bardsley, or any other player until Sunderland are safe in the Premier League. Bruce is already drawing up a list of potential targets for the summer, and will head for the World Cup finals in South Africa as part of his recruitment mission. Hutton has impressed during his loan spell from Saturday's opponents Tottenham and is likely to be on the manager's summer wish-list, while Bardsley, the man the Scot has replaced in recent weeks, has hinted he might have to look elsewhere for regular football.But Bruce is currently thinking no further ahead than the three points he believes will be enough to guarantee the Black Cats a fourth successive season in the top flight.He said: "I haven't had any conversation with the owner or the chairman yet about next year."I am sure once we are safe, we will have those conversations."Bruce has made little secret of his admiration for Hutton, who is ineligible for the clash with his parent club under the terms of the loan agreement.The 25-year-old Scotland international had played all eight games since his arrival on Wearside until a hip flexor injury kept him out of last Sunday's 3-0 defeat at Liverpool.Bruce said: "[Spurs boss] Harry [Redknapp] let us borrow Alan Hutton at a vital time for us, and Alan, for me, has been one of the reasons why we have been better since Christmas."He has come in and played very, very well for us, so for that, we are very thankful."Hutton's contribution has limited Bardsley's opportunities, and the former Manchester United defender has admitted his desire for regular football may leave him with a big decision.Bruce can understand the 24-year-old's frustration.He said: "I have known Phil a long, long time and I have had no problems with his attitude for it."He's a great lad who gives everything he has got. It boils down to the situation - he is not playing regularly."He has seen Alan Hutton come to the club and he has got fierce competition."We will deal with Phil in the right way, in the right manner and see what develops from there."Hutton's enforced absence this weekend could hand Bardsley another chance, although there could be at least one change in defence.Bardsley and Kieran Richardson were drafted into the back four and Anton Ferdinand moved from left-back into the middle at Anfield with Hutton and John Mensah injured, although they had a better shape when Paraguay international Paulo da Silva was introduced after the break.Da Silva could start for the first time since January against Spurs with Mensah's fitness a source of continuing frustration for player and manager alike.Bruce said: "He will be 50-50 for the weekend. He has got this ongoing hamstring problem, unfortunately."John Mensah is an outstanding talent. We have all seen it - when he is in the team, we are far, far better."He is a fantastic defender who is unfortunately riddled with these problems."If he hadn't been, I have to be honest, I don't think he would be here because he is such a good player."

Source: Team_Talk