• Share
sunderland news

Malbranque back in fold after breach of discipline

March 8, 2010

Steed Malbranque returns to the Sunderland squad for Tuesday night's Premier League clash with Bolton after being punished for a breach of club discipline.

Steed Malbranque
GettyImagesSteed Malbranque is in the squad to face Bolton

Malbranque did not even make the bench for last weekend's 0-0 draw with Fulham amid reports he had broken a curfew ahead of the 2-0 defeat at Arsenal.

Manager Steve Bruce has now confirmed Malbranque has been punished for a misdemeanour, but was not elaborating as he confirmed the player will be involved against Bolton.

Bruce said: "Whatever has happened, Steed knows what's happened and with that, he has been punished and he has taken his punishment.

"As far as I am concerned, the matter is closed. It will remain confidential, like anything that happens in the football club. Unfortunately with media, it always seems to get out, but the matter has been dealt with. He is in the squad tomorrow and he will play some part."