Sessegnon has yet to appear on a winning team for Sunderland

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has praised his new African stars Sulley Muntari and Stephane Sessegnon.

Benin's Sessegnon made his debut on 1 February while Ghana's Muntari recently moved on loan from Inter Milan.

Sunderland have not won a game since the end of January, so neither has yet helped their side to victory, but Bruce is certain they are vital signings.

"They are disappointed because they have been on the losing team but they are both fantastic players," he said.

"They are both technically very good - you don't play for clubs like Paris St Germain [Sessegnon] and Inter Milan [Muntari] unless you are a very very good player and we are delighted to have them here."

Muntari has made four appearances since his move to join his international team mate Asamoah Gyan on Wearside, whilst Sessegnon has played five times for his new club.

"They can only get better - they are enjoying the challenges of the Premier League and the rigours of it, and let's hope they keep improving," Bruce said.

Sunderland's form is improving - their most recent outing was a hard-fought away draw at Arsenal.

That has been followed by a two-week break and the team will be hopeful of giving Muntari and Sessegnon their first win in a Sunderland shirt when they host Liverpool in the English Premier League on Sunday.

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