Bruce backs Bendtner to shine

Published Sep. 7, 2011 3:15 p.m. ET

foxsports

Bendtner has joined the Black Cats on a season-long loan from Arsenal, having slipped out of favour and grown increasingly disillusioned with life at the Emirates. Bruce had an 18-year-old Bendtner on loan at Birmingham in 2006/07 and, having got the best out of him on that occasion, is confident the striker can prosper at the Stadium of Light. "I had the pleasure of working with Nicklas when he was a young boy at Birmingham, and I've monitored his career ever since," Bruce told Sunderland's official website. "There's no doubt that he has terrific ability, and we might just have got him at the right time. "He's got something to prove and a real hunger to show people just how good he is. "Maybe he has lost his way a little bit over the last couple of years but I'm convinced this is the right move for him. "Nicklas is a very naturally gifted footballer." Sunderland helped Manchester United's Danny Welbeck to further his career last season and Bruce is hoping Bendtner will prove to be another success story at the Stadium of Light. He added: "Perhaps he's similar to Danny last year. Danny wasn't as big a name but he hadn't hit the heights - he came here and flourished in the environment we provided for him. "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. "All good players have an edge to them and certainly he has that. "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."