Steve Bruce is confident Sunderland Football Club will soon be on the up.

After a bright start to the season the Black Cats are now just four points above the relegation zone, as they prepare to take on basement club Portsmouth on Tuesday night.

The pressure is beginning to be piled on Bruce from the Stadium of Light fans, but the former Wigan Athletic boss is sure his team will soon be climbing the table.

"I always knew it was never going to be easy. We had a wonderful start and everybody, including maybe myself, got a little bit carried away," said Bruce.

"The one thing is, I have got broad shoulders. I have been in it a long time and if they want to use that stick, then fine, I have got no problem with it. We will come through it. There's no problem."

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