Bruce waits anxiously on Benjani
Steve Bruce will be hoping for positive news from the Premier League today as he waits to find out whether he has signed Benjani Mwaruwari until the end of the season.
Having already tied up a deal for Tottenham right-back Alan Hutton, Bruce was hoping to finalise the Manchester City striker’s loan move before yesterday’s 5pm deadline.
But a host of technical problems delayed the Black Cats’ move for Benjani and Bruce is now waiting to hear if he has succeeded in his chase for the Zimbabwean.
On the evidence of last night’s lacklustre 0-0 draw with visiting Stoke, the 31-year-old’s presence would certainly be welcome on Wearside.
Speaking after the largely attritional stalemate at the Stadium of Light, Bruce said: “I think we’ve lodged everything in time, we’ve done everything we possibly can and I’m convinced we had everything in in time.
“The paperwork was lodged but we had some huge, huge difficulties and we informed both the Premier League and the FA at the time of those.
“It was well in front of the deadline when we got the green light to get Benjani in on loan but we had huge difficulties with e-mail and faxes so we hope a little common sense prevails.
“We wait to find out but I hope we are granted the player, who would be a huge boost to us.”
Despite being marginally outplayed by the Potters, Bruce’s side had reason to query two of referee Howard Webb’s decisions.
First Dean Whitehead was only cautioned for an ill-advised kick at Lee Cattermole and then Webb waved away Darren Bent’s appeals for a penalty when Robert Huth appeared to handle on the hour.
Bruce said: “I thought it was a clear penalty and a clear sending-off too. Those could be defining moments.”
Stoke boss Tony Pulis, perhaps unsurprisingly, saw the controversial incidents differently but was nevertheless pleased with a hard-won point.
He said: “Is it a penalty? I don’t know because I haven’t seen it. Should he have sent him (Whitehead) off? Of course he shouldn’t, but that is me being totally biased.
“It was not the prettiest game in the world but it was a good point for us and I’m very pleased.
“It was always going to be a tough game and I think that was Steve’s ’A’ team, which is the first time in a while he’s been able to put them out.”
Pulis also hailed the £3.25m signing of Portsmouth goalkeeper Asmir Begovic before the expiry of the deadline.
“We think he is a great addition and a great signing,” said Pulis. “He’s going to join our squad not just for now but for the future. We think he is one of the best young goalkeepers in the country.”
