Bruce salutes slimmed-down midfielder Reid

SUNDERLAND manager Steve Bruce was full of praise for slimmed-down midfielder Andy Reid after the midfielder’s role in a 4-1 Carling Cup victory at Norwich last night.

Reid scored twice as the Black Cats moved into the third round at Carrow Road.

Teemu Tainio set the ball rolling for the Barclays Premier League club before Reid netted a well-taken double.

Wes Hoolahan reduced the deficit just after the hour, only for Owain Tudur Jones to quickly deflect a corner into his own net.

Reid, who underwent a rigorous fitness regime in the summer to cut down his notoriously excessive weight, was the star of the show and Bruce was quick to praise the Irishman.

“He’s seeing the fruits of that tonight,” Bruce said.

“He is the one who has done it, not anyone else.

“He’s lost something like eight or nine kilos which is testament to him, and he’s given himself an opportunity.’’

NORWICH: Alnwick, Otsemobor, Doherty, Spillane, Lappin, Whaley (McDonald 61), Tudur Jones, Adeyemi (Smith 75), Hoolahan, Holt (Martin 60), Daley.

SUNDERLAND: Gordon, Edwards, Nosworthy, Da Silva, McCartney, Henderson, Tainio (Healy 74), Leadbitter, Reid, Campbell (Malbranque 86), Jones (Murphy 46).

Referee: Anthony Taylor.