Da Silva was a summer signing from Mexican side Toluca

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce believes the best is yet to come from Paraguayan defender Paulo Da Silva after Monday's League Cup debut against Norwich.

Da Silva, 29, saw his arrival from Mexican side Toluca delayed by visa issues but Bruce has seen promise in the defender's future.

"He's a good uncomplicated defender," he told BBC Newcastle.

"He'll get to grips with the game, he's only been here for a couple of weeks and he's not played for three months."

The international has won 33 caps for Paraguay.

Meanwhile Monday's 4-1 cup defeat of Norwich City also gave Bruce an opportunity to experiment with his team-selection and one player who took the chance to impress was Republic of Ireland winger Andy Reid.

And the former Sheffield United, Wigan and Crystal Palace manager Bruce admitted he and a string of players have given him food for thought ahead of the trip to Stoke City on Saturday.

"I thought the good thing about it was it gave everybody the chance to play, we brought a full squad and showed the competition the respect it deserves," he said.

"I was delighted with some of the players who are itching to play in the first team, and the Premier League on Saturday, and that's all I can ask.

"They came in and did a good job, and asked a few questions."

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