Steve Bruce looking forward to managing Arsenal striker http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Nicklas-Bendtner-c27726 at Sunderland
Sunderland boss Steve Bruce revealed he felt he had signed Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner at the right time and that he expected the 23-year-old http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Denmark-c2884 international to do well at the Stadium of Light. Bendtner arrives at Sunderland from the Emirates
Stadium on a season long loan move after falling out of favour with http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Arsenal-c38429 manager Arsene Wenger.
Bendtner began his senior career with the London side in 2005, since then he has made a total of 98 appearances in the English Premier League and scored 22 goals. Apart from a loan move to Birmingham City in the 2006-2007 season, the Danish forward remained
with Arsenal. However, he failed to establish himself as the first choice striker, losing out to injury plagued http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Robin-van-Persie-c31380.
Bruce, who has previously managed Bendtner while at Birmingham City, was confident the striker would do well at Sunderland. While he was at Birmingham City on a loan move, Bendtner was 18 years old and in 48 appearances in all competitions for the club,
scored 13 goals and provided 9 assists. The Black Cats manager said he was pleased at having signed Bendtner during the summer and was confident in his abilities as a footballer.
Bruce said while speaking to reporters:
“I had the pleasure of working with Nicklas when he was a young boy at Birmingham, and I've monitored his career ever since.
There's no doubt that he has terrific ability, and we might just have got him at the right time.”
He continued:
“Nicklas is a very naturally gifted footballer.”
Steve Bruce admitted that while Bendtner had not necessarily had the best time while at Arsenal, mostly being used as a substitute when he was fully fit and available for selection. However, he remained confident the young striker would improve at his new
club, especially since Bendtner was out to prove himself. Bruce felt that would be important in his development with the Black Cats.
Bruce said:
“Nicklas is a Champions League player; his credentials are there.
Certainly, when you get Nick you'll find him endearing but you'll understand it'll be a good challenge.”
Sunderland finished tenth on the English Premier League table last season and Bruce is targeting a top six finish this season, which would guarantee them a place in the UEFA Europa League. He was certain Bendtner’s experience in the Champions League with
Arsenal would help them. The English manager admitted he was looking forward to managing the Danish striker once again.
The Sunderland boss revealed:
“I'm really looking forward to managing Nick and letting the Sunderland fans see just how good he is.
He had a lot of offers to go out on loan and he chose us, which is fantastic.”
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