teve Bruce is confident John Mensah will be available to play his third successive game for Sunderland, which will signal a massive improvement in his injury-ravaged season.

The Ghanaian, on loan from Olympique Lyon, went off with five minutes remaining in Sunderland’s game against Fulham, but Bruce, who called Mensah ‘magnificent’ after Sunday’s game, believes he should be fit to play against Bolton.

The Ghanaian international, 27, has struggled with injuries this season due to an underlying back problem which puts stress on his muscles.

“We think he’s okay,” Bruce told Sunderland’s official website. “We know his problems, but I have to say the kid was totally magnificent while he was on the pitch.

‘It’s a shame he has this ongoing problem because when John’s out on the pitch he is a very, very good player.”