Bruce has seen his squad decimated by injuries in recent weeks and the likes of Ryan Noble, Billy Knott and Craig Lynch have all featured in the senior squad. "I'm never afraid to put youngsters in - in fact I enjoy seeing a team of young players," Bruce told the club's official website. The Black Cats will have defender Phil Bardsley fit for Saturday's home game against Fulham after he was discharged from hospital after undergoing tests following a clash of heads in the 4-2 win over Wigan. Midfielder Kieran Richardson, who has missed the last two games, is rated 50-50 to return for the visit of the Cottagers. But John Mensah (groin), Titus Bramble, Fraizer Campbell (both knee), Danny Welbeck, Asamoah Gyan (both hamstring) and Craig Gordon (knee) all remain on the sidelines.
