Sunderland boss Steve Bruce was pleased to progress through to round four of the FA Cup after disposing of a gallant Barrow side by 3 goals to 0 at the Stadium Of Light. A brace from Fraizer Campbell followed Steed Malbranque’s first strike in more than a year saw the Premier League safely through against non-league opposition.

 

Bruce can now look forward to a fourth round tie and was delighted with Campbell’s contribution. It was by no means all one way and Barrow played their part in an entertaining cup tie but the Black Cat’s strength and fitness pulled them clear. Of Campbell Bruce said: "I'm delighted for Fraizer because he's had to wait patiently and he's only a young player. The young players have done particularly well."

Despite the opening of the January transfer window, Bruce has maintained that he will not panic into paying what he calls ‘silly money’ in order to strengthen his squad. The former Wigan manager does expect to have cash made available to him but will have his desire to add to his team tempered by sense. "I don't anticipate doing much business in the transfer market in January and any players that I do bring in would have to come in for sensible money," Bruce said in the Sunderland Echo, "The top clubs don't want to sell their players because they've got European competition on their mind and the players that are around tend to be either not ideal or on sale for vastly over-inflated fees. We're not going to get involved in that.”