Steve Bruce: Let's turn Sunderland into new Aston Villa

Steve Bruce has saluted Sunderland owner Ellis Short's stewardship of the club and advised the American billionaire to follow the path of his fellow countryman Randy Lerner at Aston Villa.

The Black Cats boss believes the generous financial backing of Texas businessman Short, which has allowed him to pay £10million for in-form striker Darren Bent, is the key to Sunderland's impressive start.

As Sunderland prepare to host Villa in the Carling Cup on Tuesday, Bruce admits he is big fan of the Midlands club’s American owner Lerner and his manager Martin O’Neill. Bruce said: “We can model ourselves on Aston Villa because they are run in the same way.

“They are the kind of club we have to follow. Martin has got Villa established as a really decent Premier League outfit.

“He’s got good players – predominately young and English – and he’s done very well there with Randy Lerner's support. As far as the stability here is concerned and the backing I've had from the owner and the chairman, I am happy. The club’s in great nick.”

But Bruce has warned O’Neill and Villa that he is desperate to launch Sunderland on a good cup run.

He added: “I want us to have a cup run. The Carling Cup is our best chance this year, but Villa are a big obstacle.”