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Bruce heaps praise on Cats pair
Sunderland, 13:19, April 22, 2010 ,
Suderland boss Steve Bruce has heaped the praise on Steed Malbranque and Frazier Campbell, who have both been linked with summer exits.
Campbell joined Sunderland in the summer but found his path to the first team blocked by the impressive performances of Kenwyne Jones and Darren Bent.
However, Campbell has now found a place in the starting line-up on the right wing and Bruce believes the youngster is a great asset for the Wearsiders.
He said: "Because Darren and Kenwyne were doing so well, Fraizer found his way blocked a little bit at the start of the season.
"But to be fair to him he always trained properly, never gave up and waited for his chance. He's weighed in with goals recently which has given us a cutting edge up front and on the right.
"When you've got a player who can play up top and on the right wing, it's a big boost."
Malbranque's season got off to a shaky start, with the Frenchman unable to cement a place in the starting line-up but the former Fulham and Spurs man has now made the left-wing position his own and Bruce is delighted with his form.
He added: "We played Steed on the left-hand side at Spurs earlier in the season but with the form of others at the time it wasn't really thought of permanently,
"The little switch in position suits Steed. He doesn't have blistering pace but on the left he can step inside and play those cute passes he's so good at. He's really come to the fore."
Both Malbranque and Campbell had been linked with summer exits from the Stadium of Light but it now appears as if they are a part of Bruce's plans and the Sunderland boss is expected to keep hold of the pair.