Bruce accuses Capello of being 'disrespectful'

The manager of Sunderland, Steve Bruce, has hit back at suggestions that Darren Bent's move to Aston Villa has aided his England cause.

The 27-year-old striker, who completed a £24m switch to Villa Park last month, scored his second senior international goal in Wednesday's 2-1 friendly victory in Denmark.

Bent later said that Fabio Capello had told him the transfer had helped his England chances, a claim which did not go down well with Bruce.

"That's a frustration for us all and it is hugely disrespectful if he has said those sort of things," said Bruce, who also accused Villa manager Gérard Houllier of being disrespectful during the transfer. "Darren scored 24 goals for us and played an unbelievable season, and yet didn't go to the World Cup, so I find that a harsh statement. The big problem with all of that is the geography of where we are. It's very difficult to come and watch."