BOLO ZENDEN provided Steve Bruce with a timely reminder of the qualities he can bring to a Sunderland team on Saturday.

The 34-year-old midfielder, out of contract in the summer, was given his first start since January at Bolton and proved to be a shrewd selection, weighing in with a first-half goal and impressing with his passing and energy.

Zenden’s future on Wearside is less than certain, but the former Barcelona, Chelsea, Middlesbrough and Liverpool midfielder is adamant that, if given the opportunity, he can continue to compete in England’s top flight.

Zenden said: “I don’t get many games and it’s hard. It’s not been easy but I got the opportunity today and score, get 90 minutes is really pleasing for me.

“You can train as much as you want but what you need is games to keep yourself going.

“So I hope I’ve taken the chance to show I can still play at Premier League level.

Steve Bruce has previously indicated that he would like Zenden to stay, but the Dutchman is clear that just nine starts in two years is not a satisfactory return.

Zenden said: “I think I can continue playing. I’m only 34, I’ve seen players carry on so much longer so why can’t I?

“I’ve always lived for my sport, I don’t drink, I don’t smoke so I can get the benefits at the end of my career.

“For me the most important thing is to play games. Whatever age you are, you need your games to keep going.

“For me at 34, it’s easier to be playing at least once a week to keep you ticking. But if that doesn’t happen, it makes it harder to keep up.”

“I’ve played eight years in England and my goal today means I’ve scored every season I’ve played here. And there were only three games left so I was pleased with it.

“It’s not for no reason why I’ve been here eight years.”

Bruce has often spoke of the positive influence that Zenden has on the dressing room, and his abilities in being able to mentor Sunderland’s next generation of midfielders in Jack Colback and Jordan Henderson, but Zenden is fully focused on being involved with the team.

“Being out there today, I realise this is what makes me happy.

“It’s one of those things I need to look at and make a decision based on that as well. As far as I’m concerned I’m still a player.”