STEVE Bruce is hoping Sunderland striker Darren Bent will be passed fit to face Blackburn Rovers on Monday night despite pulling out of England's midweek game with Montenegro.

Bent withdrew from the England squad on the eve of Tuesday's goalless draw at Wembley, and a scan has revealed damage to his groin.

He is yet to return to full training, but with the Black Cats not visiting Ewood Park until Monday, Bruce is hoping he will recovered in time to be involved in the game.

"He's had a scan," confirmed the Sunderland boss. "It's a problem with his groin, but we don't think it's too serious.

"When you get a groin injury, you are always careful, so we'll just have to see how things develop over the next few days."

There has been some good news on the injury front this week, though, with Kieran Richardson, John Mensah and Anton Ferdinand all having proved their fitness ahead of the trip across the Pennines.

Bruce faces a difficult choice between the sticks at Ewood Park, as a fully-fit Craig Gordon will hope to replace Simon Mignolet despite the Belgian's impressive start to the season.