Bruce: 'I can take the flak'
Published 15:21 08/02/10 By Simon Bird
Steve Bruce says he will take all the flak for Sunderland's poor run of form - and insists he has broad enough shoulders for a tough job.
Sunderland have not won in 11 league games since November, and they travel to Portsmouth on Tuesday night desperate for a victory against their fellow strugglers.
Bruce’s men need a boost and he said: “I never denied it wasn’t going to be easy. I have broad shoulders. I am enjoying the challenge. You get to know it better and you learn.
“We look fragile at times and we have to handle it better. I thought the fans were fantastic in the second half [against Wigan] when we gave them something to cheer about. But we have sold 1,000 tickets for Portsmouth and the fans are still with us.”
Bruce is missing John Mensah, Kieran Richardson and Anton Ferdinand, who could all be back training this weekend, as well as Frazier Campbell who tweaked his hamstring in training.
Bruce is hoping teenager Jordan Henderson has only a badly twisted ankle after being carried off on Saturday against Wigan, but he is also out for weeks.
Bruce said: “Henderson will have a scan on Thursday. We have to let the swelling go down. We hope there is nothing more severe than a badly twisted one.
“If that is the case he will be out four to six weeks. That sums our season up. He was out best performer on Saturday, but then turned his ankle over. It is a shame.
“We have missed big players who were playing at the top of their game. It will take Cattermole four to six weeks to get into shape. It is catch up for Catts and Turner.
“In recent weeks against Wigan and Portsmouth we have not lost to them. Draws are important, too. We could have nicked a couple of wins, but it has not been the case.
“We are capable of going to Portsmouth and getting a win. If we do, that will kick- start us. We have a tough one at Arsenal after, but we have to keep it positive.”.
