Bruce rues Gordon injury

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce believes goalkeeper Craig Gordon was nearing his best form before being "devastated'' by injury this month.

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Sunderland keeper Craig Gordon is beaten by David Nugent

Gordon faces three months on the sidelines after breaking his arm in a challenge with Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe a fortnight ago.

The Scotland international has not lived up to his reputation from north of the border since his £9million move from Hearts two years ago, but Bruce has been impressed with the 26-year-old this term.

"I was absolutely delighted with his form," Bruce said. "He was starting to look like the goalkeeper we paid all that money for. "Of course he's upset, he's got a broken arm.

"He's had an operation to have a plate inserted and he's in plaster. To have him out for three months is a big blow, for sure. He is devastated with what happened but he will get over it.''

Defoe has apologised for the incident via Sunderland striker Darren Bent, his England team-mate. The former Portsmouth forward has insisted the clash in Spurs' 2-0 defeat of the Black Cats at White Hart Lane was accidental.

Bruce, however, was non-committal when asked for his views

"He certainly caught him, whether he can get out of the road only Jermain Defoe will know that - but he certainly caught him," Bruce said. "When I first saw it with the naked eye I thought it was 50-50.

"However, when I looked at it before - could Jermain Defoe get out of the way? He is the only one that can answer that.''

Marton Fulop is likely to take Gordon's place in Saturday's Premier League clash against Arsenal.