STEVE Bruce admits he was disappointed with Phil Bardsley when he first walked through the door at Sunderland but praises the defender for rolling up his sleeves and getting his career back on track.

Earlier in the season, it seemed certain the defender would be leaving the club when his contract expired in June, after being overlooked by Bruce at the beginning of the season.

The Black Cats boss preferred Nedum Onouha and Keiran Richardson in fullback positions but injury to the latter saw Bardsley fill in the unfamiliar left-back role.

During that time, the former Manchester United trainee impressed and the defender was rewarded with a new contract after consistent performances.

Bruce believes the situation at the start of the season provided Bardsley with the wake-up call he needed and admits the Scottish international has since been arguably Sunderland’s best defender this season.

“Maybe he got a shock,”

Bruce said.

“I have known him since he was ten when he played with my lad and when I walked through the door I was disappointed in him because I thought he would be an enormous tick.

“I think the biggest thing was not getting a game regularly and having to roll up his sleeves and fight for his place and a contract.

“This season in particular the kid has been fantastic, arguably as good a defender as we have.

“He has trained better, worked better and is physically and mentally better.

“We had a constant battle that he was not right physically, but he came in in preseason and you could see the difference.

“Dave Moyes was waxing lyrical about him saying it was the best I have seen him.

He looks half a yard quicker and stronger and he has done all that himself.”

Meanwhile, Bruce has also intimated he is eager to agree a permanent deal for Nedum Onouha, who has also impressed during his loan spell from Manchester City.

With the Eastlands club boasting a wealth of defensive options it is hard to see where Onouha would fit in should he return.

Bruce revealed discussions with Manchester City are yet to take place but hopes a deal can be agreed for the young defender’s services.

“No negotiation have taken place with Manchester City and it will go boardroom to boardroom,” Bruce revealed.

“I’ve made no secret if there is a possibility I would.

He has enjoyed it. I hope we can do something and powers that be can get their heads together and sort something out.”

■ Sunderland’s forthcoming Under-16s and Under-18s League North games against Newcastle have been postponed due to frozen pitches.

The games were set to be played today, at Newcastle United’s Academy at Benton, but freezing temperatures are making the pitches unplayable.

A rearranged date for the fixture will be announced shortly.