Bruce is thrilled as Black Cats win.

Byline: Luke Edwards 

Sunderland 2 Birmingham City 0 STEVE Bruce was delighted with the reaction to the defeat at Burnley as he insisted Sunderland deserved to have enjoyed an even more emphatic victory over Birmingham City last night.

HIs side never looked in danger of being knocked out of the Carling Cup by the visitors, who fell behind after less than four minutes, Jordan Henderson scoring his first senior goal for the club.

There was also a first goal in the red and white stripes for Fraizer Campbell and, although the home side should have increased their lead in the second half against opposition who failed to force Craig Gordon into a single save of note, it was a satisfying night for Bruce.

"We played some excellent football at times and created numerous chances to score," he said. "If the third goal had gone in, as it should have, we might have won by five or six. The 2-0 score line flattered Birmingham. We were easy winners.

"We were very comfortable and it was very pleasing. We made light work of it, it was a good performance and a very professional one as well. I'm very happy with what I've seen tonight.

"We asked for a reaction after the Burnley game and we have got it. It's going to take time to get where we want to be, but we seem to be going in the right direction again."

Bruce was particularly pleased with John Mensah at the heart of the back four and the Ghana international, on loan from Lyon with a view to a permanent move, looks a superb signing.

"I tried to sign him last summer, but he went to Lyon for something like pounds 9m and I missed out on that occasion," said Bruce.

"I'm delighted to get him because I've always felt he was a top player and we have seen that tonight.

"He is good in the air and on the ground, he's an excellent player and he also deserved a goal. It should have stood, I don't know why the referee ruled it out in the second half, but there you go.

"Anton Ferdinand must realise he has a bit of competition for a place in the side now. He's got that quality, he's the captain of his country, as is Paulo Da Silva, and they have given me plenty of food for thought in terms of the team for Wolves at the weekend. Can those players play in the Premier League if they need to? On the evidence of tonight they can."

Match Report: Pages 78-79

CAPTION(S):

OFF THE MARK Sunderland''s Fraizer Campbell celebrates after scoring his side's second goal against Birmingham City in the Carling Cup Third Round last night, opening his account for the Black Cats.