Sunderland coach warns England over Black Stars

Bruce says Black Stars can beat England

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce says England must pray they do not come up against Ghana in next summer's World Cup.

  Bruce, who is keen on Ghanaian players, made the observation after as Black Stars deputy captain has excelled since joining SUnderland in August.

The coach also signed keeper Richard Kingson for Birmingham and Wigan and say if Mensah is anything to go by the Three Lions must avoid the Black Stars.

And Bruce says Ghana have another 10 players just like him, which will make them formidable opposition when the 2010 World Cup gets underway in South Africa.

“He is a physical beast of a man,” said Bruce.
“He's so strong and powerful. Daryl Murphy ran into him on the training pitch the other day and just bounced off him!

“Ghana have already qualified for the World Cup and I have to say that whoever plays them will find they have got 11 like him – powerful and quick.

“They are a good team, with the likes of Michael Essien, Mensah, John Pantsil, Sulley Muntari of Inter Milan and the striker Asamoah at Rennes.

“I hope England stay clear of them, that's for sure!”

Bruce has been singing Mensah's praises after his outstanding display in his first full 90 minutes in a Red and White shirt earlier this month, when he helped the Wearsiders to a 2-0 Carling Cup win over Birmingham City at the Stadium of Light.

The coach believes the on-loan Lyon defender has the power and physique to be a hit in the Premier League.