SIR ALEX FERGUSON feels his old Manchester United warhorse Steve Bruce is taking the right path to managerial stardom.

It is still mystifying how a player who could be such an integral part of Ferguson’s first double-winning team could end his playing days without a single international cap.

But if Ferguson’s analysis is correct, Bruce could go on to be a major figure in management circles.

After almost taking Wigan into Europe, Bruce is now trying to bring better times to Wearside.

The early signs are positive and if Bruce can bring success to Sunderland, he is bound to catch the eye of ambitious clubs even further up the footballing food chain.

Not that Ferguson underestimates how far the Black Cats can go.

‘‘If you look at Steve’s career, it is exactly what you need,’’ said the United boss.

‘‘He has experienced the other side. He has scrapped at Crystal Palace and Sheffield United and Wigan, and the job when he went back there was fantastic.

‘‘He didn’t have much money at Birmingham and that is not easy in the Premier League.

‘‘But he has learned as he has gone along. Now he has the chance to spend some money and it looks very good.’’ Bruce does not have the greatest record against his old mentor and in the shortterm at least, that is unlikely to change to any significant extent.

However, while there has always been a distance to Mark Hughes, who is now making waves at Manchester City, Ferguson has remained close to Bruce.

Bruce’s contribution to Ferguson’s success should not be underestimated, even though it was by England manager Sir Bobby Robson.

‘‘Bobby Robson came to the team hotel in Portugal the year we played in Eusebio’s testimonial game and, in front of all the players, he apologised to Steve for not picking him for England,’’ recalled Ferguson.