Bruce salutes Meyler’s ‘staggering’ recovery

SUNDERLAND manager Steve Bruce yesterday hailed David Meyler’s “staggering” recovery after the Irish midfielder returned to full training.

The highly-rated 21-year-old sustained cruciate ligament damage during Sunderland’s final home game of the 2009-10 season against Manchester United in May and it was initially feared he could be out of action for as long as 12 months.

However, Meyler has defied all expectations with the speed of his recovery and has returned to training just six months after suffering his injury.

“It’s staggering to see David back training with us now when you consider the extent of his injury,” said Bruce.

“It’s really nice to see him and it’s incredible when you think that he has been out for almost six months but has only missed nine league games.”

Bruce added: “If anyone was going to come back ahead of schedule it would be David, due to the way he applies himself and his determination.

“He’s worked around the clock to get himself back in good physical condition.”

The Sunderland boss added that Meyler’s progress was so good he could take part in a reserves game next week.

“The reserves have a home game against Liverpool next Tuesday and I would expect he will take part,’’ Bruce revealed.

However, while Meyler’s injury agony is at an end the fallout from the tackle that put fellow Irish starlet James McCarthy out of action is continuing.

Wigan ace McCarthy will be out for up to 10 weeks with an ankle injury after a challenge by Bolton midfielder Fabrice Muamba in the 1-1 draw on Saturday.

However Bolton manager Owen Coyle has rejected suggestions Muamba was “reckless” in his tackle at the DW Stadium.

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez has claimed the first half tackle, while not malicious, was “unnecessary” and “reckless”.

But Coyle defended his player, stating: “Fabrice is a very talented player — he went to try and win the ball, that’s all.

“The last thing we want is players getting injured. Fabrice felt he had an opportunity to win the ball.

“We have to eradicate bad tackles, but I think it was a young boy who went to win the ball and he never had any intent to try to hurt James McCarthy.”

Immediately after the match, Martinez expressed his displeasure with the challenge on the former Hamilton player, but refused to blame Muamba, who was not cautioned by referee Howard Webb.

However, after the diagnosis, Martinez said: “One of the most creative young players in the league is going to be out for up to 10 weeks. That is a football crime.”

Coyle, though, said he was surprised by his counterpart’s comments.

“Maybe with hindsight he’s come out and he’s protecting his club,” Coyle said.

“[But that’s] the reason we love football, we love opinions and Roberto has got his and I certainly have mine.”