Black Cats boss Steve Bruce hails cult figure Lorik Cana

Lorik Cana, with his film star looks, did not quite look like the midfield hard man Steve Bruce was checking out.

But within minutes pin-up boy Cana, then the cult hero captain of Olympique Marseille and Albania, delivered a shuddering challenge on Steven Gerrard that left its mark on Liverpool’s skipper as well as Bruce.

Bruce, then boss of Wigan, could immediately see why the Stade Velodrome fans had christened Cana “Le Destructor”. When Bruce then became Sunderland boss he vowed to take the enforcer to the Stadium of Light.

Bruce was amazed when Marseille agreed to sell their captain for £5million in July.

And within weeks this extraordinary character – a Kosovan refugee at seven who speaks five languages and studies ancient history and archaeology - had become Sunderland skipper.

The 26-year-old’s smouldering looks, which once wooed a Brazilian supermodel and Miss Kosovo, won the hearts of Wearside women and his bearded profile adorns the cover of the latest Black Cats magazine.

Bruce said: “I first saw him when I went to see Marseille v Liverpool. He rattled into Stevie G with his first tackle.

“But what impressed me most was his overall enthusiasm. You didn’t have to watch him for very long to realise what he had.

“He was a cult figure down there in Marseille – which is not easy. Now he is a cult figure here and I did predict that at the time I signed him.

“But I didn’t think I had any chance of getting him as he was captain. Then there was a change of coach when Didier Deschamps came in this summer. He brought in players of his own and that freed up Lorik to leave.”

Cana’s no-nonsense, combative style has already earned him five yellow cards and a suspension which ruled him out of yesterday’s game at Tottenham.

But Bruce said: “He adores playing in England. The style is his cup of tea. He enjoys the physical challenges.

“People questioned why I made him captain, but you only have to watch him to see what he brings to the team.

“He is an intelligent boy, a good looking one and has a big fan club, especially among the ladies.

“But Lorik tackles and challenges for every header. He has been a breath of fresh air.”