Bruce: Cana could play for any side; BRUCE INSISTS: CANA COULD PLAY FOR ANY TOP SIDE.

Byline: Luke Edwards 

STEVE Bruce believes Lorik Cana is good enough to play for any of the Premier League's top sides as he prepares to welcome his captain back into the side to face Arsenal.

Cana missed the defeat by Tottenham before the international break through suspension and Bruce admits the Albanian international will always be walking a disciplinary tightrope because of the confrontational way he plays the game.

But the Black Cats boss will never try to change a player he is still thrilled at the memory of signing as he revealed he had made an approach in the summer to Marseille more in hope than expectation.

"I'm delighted he has not gone to a top four side," said Bruce, likely to retain the five-man midfield formation which did so well at White Hart Lane.

"He certainly has the hunger and ambition to play for a top four side. The team I feared the most was Everton. They were the main ones I feared in the summer.

"It happened quickly. I chased someone else first because I didn't think we had much chance. I thought it was one of those where the agent was telling us a load of rubbish. He flew to Amsterdam, we had a presentation to make to him outlining the ambitions of the club. He didn't want to leave Amsterdam, he had his medical and that was it. Twelve hours it was done.

"He has taken this level by storm. He has become a cult hero, he is very exuberant and we have to curb that a little. He has been terrific and he can only get better."

As a player, Bruce belonged to a more physical era and he feels players like Cana are at a major disadvantage these days because of the authorities' desire to penalise physical intimidation.

It is a drive, however, that the former Manchester United defender feels is not in keeping with the wishes of the supporters, at least not in this country and particularly not in the North East. He said: "The one thing I will always say is that, in this country, we enjoy a physical encounter. "The game on Wednesday night, Ireland v France, was not technically great but it was full blooded, bang on, and we've seen a typical British game. "I knew coming here that I wanted a team to mirror what the North East is about. To get stuck in and be competitive, but it's difficult how the laws are today. "We don't want a sport for pansies.

" Meanwhile, Bruce has described Arsenal. manager Arsene Wenger as aManchester United defender feels is not in keeping with the wishes of the supporters, at least not in this country and particularly not in the North East. He said: "The one thing I will always say is that, in this country, we enjoy a physical encounter. "The game on Wednesday night, Ireland v France, was not technically great but it was full blooded, bang on, and we've seen a typical British game. "I knew coming here that I wanted a team to mirror what the North East is about. To get stuck in and be competitive, but it's difficult how the laws are today. "We don't want a sport for pansies." Meanwhile, Bruce has described Arsenal. manager Arsene Wenger as a