Bruce upbeat on Waghorn injury

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce is hopeful that the injury to Martyn Waghorn picked up against a Munster XI last night will not keep the young striker on the sidelines for too long.

The England U-19 international had to be stretched off after scoring both goals in Sunderland’s 2-1 win at Thomond Park.

“We think, touch wood, that we might escape something serious,” said Bruce. “When he went over, I feared the worst to be honest.”

“It’s his knee. He stretched and got caught in the turf here.

“We’ll see how he is tomorrow and the next 24 hours, but we think we’ve got away with it.”

Bruce went on to reveal that he has had plenty of offers for Waghorn, but has big plans for the player ahead of the upcoming Premier League season.

“It’s a big year for the kid,” said Bruce. “Half the Championship want him out on loan – I don’t think there’s any fear of that happening.”

Sunderland fielded a strong starting side at Thomond Park, which included Republic of Ireland international Andy Reid, as well as Kenwyne Jones and Anton Ferdinand.

They were stunned by Munster early on however, as Limerick FC striker John Tierney gave Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet no chance with a powerful shot into the bottom corner after just 12 minutes.

Sunderland changed the entire team for the second half, bringing on stars such as Lee Cattermole, Steed Malbranque and Kieran Richardson.

It was Waghorn that made the difference however, scoring both goals - including a stunning free kick to decide the contest.

“We found it a struggle in the first half,” admitted Bruce. “Second half we were much, much better, and we passed the ball better.”

“Fair play to Munster, in the first half they gave us a right go.”