Bruce backing Bent to show England class

Steve Bruce has never made it a secret that Fabio Capello’s World Cup snub of striker Darren Bent could work in Sunderland’s ­favour.

The Black Cats boss was rewarded with 25 goals from his £10m investment in Bent last season, and Bruce was very disappointed when the striker was not chosen for World Cup duty in South ­Africa.

But it may prove a blessing in disguise, as Bent was spared the humiliation ­suffered by his international team-mates and instead ­enjoyed a summer break to rest, relax and recuperate from his efforts during the previous campaign.

And Bent seemed fresh and full of ­himself during ­yesterday’s win at Championship outfit Leicester City – under the surprise new ­management of ­Portuguese Paulo Sousa from Swansea.

Bent, who has been the target of pre-season ­speculation over his fitness following a training injury, showed little sign of any problems.

Bruce may have fretted after the forward took a nasty knock in an early ­attack. But Bent recovered to make a string of spirited runs at the defence, until Trinidad striker Kenwyne Jones replaced him on 74 minutes.

Bent, who has set himself a target of 30 goals this ­season, said: “It’ll be tough but achievable. The ­manager is building a side to ­challenge for the top eight and a ­possible place in Europe.”

Bruce enthused: “Darren looked sharp, and each time we attacked it looked as though we might score.

“He might think he has a point to prove this season. But he couldn’t have made out a stronger case for World Cup selection than his 25 goals, and yet he didn’t go. I was disappointed for him.

“But selfishly, England’s loss could be our gain ­because he had a proper rest and came back mentally and physically refreshed.

“I hate pre-season with these friendly fixtures, they don’t really mean anything. I can’t wait for the real thing to begin, and I believe we will be ready for it.”

Bruce’s trio of summer signings all played, ­including Simon Mignolet – and the Belgium goalkeeper pulled off some ­athletic and brave saves. But Anton ­Ferdinand is now rated doubtful for the start of the season due to a hamstring injury.

Sousa, brought in to replace Nigel Pearson ­following his shock July move to take over at Hull City, is already trying to ­encourage a positive ­attacking attitude at ­Leicester.

“I like what I’ve seen since I arrived,” explained the former Portugal midfielder. “I’m pleased how well the players have adapted to a new style.

“I want this team to attack and score goals, and we’ve been working hard to make sure this will happen.”

Frazier Campbell broke the deadlock after six ­minutes, but Leicester’s Andy King grabbed a worthy equaliser 10 minutes later.

Jordan Henderson’s long-range 50th-minute effort caught out highly rated ­shotstopper Chris Weale to seal a slender success.