IRISH starlet John Egan has hailed the influence his father, Kerry football legend John Egan Senior, has had on his fledgling career.

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce insists he will take a cautious approach with David Meyler after the midfielder began his return to competitive action in last night’s reserve-team clash with Liverpool.

England striker Peter Crouch flew into the north-east this morning to discuss a £12m switch to Sunderland.

Steve Bruce was this afternoon confirmed as Sunderland’s new manager after lengthy negotiations finally came to a successful conclusion.

Talks were continuing this morning between Sunderland and Steve Bruce as the two parties looked to thrash out the finer details of his appointment as manager.