Euro dream still alive for Bruce's Sunderland

Mar 20 2011 by James Hunter, Sunday Sun

Steve Bruce

STEVE BRUCE insists Sunderland have not given up on their European dream.

The Black Cats take on Liverpool at the Stadium of Light this afternoon with both sides knowing their chances of overhauling Spurs and stealing fifth spot – and Europa League qualification – are slim, with the Reds sevem points behind the Londoners while Sunderland are a further five points back.

Yet the Sunderland boss believes a win today could galvanise Sunderland in time for the run-in and bring a glimmer of hope.

“Two weeks after the Newcastle debacle we beat Chelsea and that galvanised us for the winter,” said Bruce.

“I hope we can start with the goalless draw at Arsenal two weeks ago and then, if we can beat Liverpool or get a positive result, it will stand us in really good stead for the next eight weeks.

“We can mount a challenge to say we haven’t given up on Europe because, on paper, we have got a terrific run-in with home games against West Brom, Wigan, Wolves and Fulham still to come.”

Fifth spot is the only guaranteed Europa League place, and the only sequence of results that could see qualification drop down to sixth place is if Bolton win the FA Cup AND finish fifth.