Sunderland boss backs Darren Bent

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has backed Darren Bent, despite his dismal performance in England's 1-0 defeat to Brazil last weekend. It is believed that Bent was left very upset after the game as he believes he may have ruined his World Cup squad hopes.

"I think, when it comes to Darren's England career, he will be judged less on that one-off game in the Middle East where he was part of a scratch side playing in searing heat, than he will be on what he does over the course of this season," he told the Sunderland Echo.

"I've told Darren that - that he shouldn't allow himself to be put off by any setbacks this season, that he just has to go on and try to score as many goals for Sunderland as he can.

"The same applies to Michael really - he's just got to go out there and give his best for the club in every game.

"He got noticed by England when he was doing that for Hull last season and I'm sure it will be the same again if he continues to do that at Sunderland.

"He has been absolutely terrific for us since he moved here and I think that sort of form has put him in the England reckoning.

"If he keeps on producing the sort of performances he has done in recent weeks, then there's no reason why he can't keep up the pressure for him to be considered."