Steve Bruce hopes to revitalise Anton Ferdinand¿s Sunderland career at his new position of left-back.
Former central defender's future is at left-back, says Bruce
Sunderland manager Steve Bruce hopes to revitalise Anton Ferdinand's career at his new position of left-back.
Ferdinand - traditionally a central defender - fell out of favour at the Stadium of Light after Bruce took control of the Black Cats last summer.
With players such as Michael Turner, John Mensah and Paulo Da Silva often ahead of him in the pecking order at centre-back, the 25-year-old was linked with a move away from the North East in January.
However, Ferdinand has established himself in a new role on the left of the back four recently and Bruce believes his long-term future will lie at full-back.
Versatile
"When Anton was a boy he played in every position bar centre half," the former Wigan boss told the
Daily Star.
"I think it's because his brother (Rio) plays there that everyone labelled him as one. But I believe he will be a better full-back than centre-back.
"He is more comfortable there because of his ability on the ball and he likes to get forward and express himself.
"I've seen Anton play central midfield, right-side midfield and both full-back roles.
"He is a decent boy but one that needs to be pointed and I genuinely feel he is a very good full-back."
