Bruce - Injuries cost us again

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce lamented his side's unfortunate run of injuries after seeing goalscorer Kenwyne Jones forced off in their 1-1 draw with Manchester City.

Jones' header after nine minutes looked to have sealed a second Premier League win in 15 games for the home side, only for boyhood Sunderland fan Adam Johnson to snatch a point with an injury-time equaliser.

With inspirational midfielder Lee Cattermole also missing after suffering another injury setback, Bruce revealed his frustration after seeing Jones come off at half-time, as he felt it changed the game.

The Black Cats boss revealed the striker was forced off with a groin problem and it remains to be seen how long he will be out.

"I think we've got to say it's a fair result overall, but when you get so close, obviously it's disappointing," he said.

"The injury to Kenwyne disrupted us. We lost him through injury, that's the story of our season so far. We've lost too many through injury."

He added: "We are a threat with (Darren) Bent and Jones up front and he has been playing some of the best football I have seen since I've been here.

"It has disrupted us and when you get so close - I think it's 10 points we have lost this season late on - it's hard to take."

Disappointment

Despite his disappointment at conceding a late goal, Bruce was quick to praise Johnson's leveller and admitted that he had been interested in securing his signature in the January transfer window.

"It's a wonder goal," he said. "Sod's Law it's him who we've tried to sign for the past six months."

However, Bruce conceded goalkeeper Craig Gordon had kept his side in the game in the second half, adding: "The goalkeeper produced two or three great saves."