MICHAEL BRIDGES feels he can finally settle and concentrate on football after having his future at Sunderland secured, writes Paul Fraser.

The 26-year-old striker has penned a deal that keeps him at the club for the rest of the season, with the option of extending that by a further 12 months.

Bridges has now scored two goals for the Black Cats since ending his much-publicised four-and-half-year goal drought at Stoke last month.

And, after overcoming lengthy injury and fitness problems at Leeds, he has now turned his loan deal from Bolton into a long-term switch.

"I am absolutely delighted to have signed," he said.

"I knew I had an opportunity to turn this into a permanent deal - the gaffer says he has been very pleased with me.

"I came here with a point to prove to myself and other people and hopefully I've done that and it will continue."

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