Cana enjoyed a bright start to life at the Stadium of Light

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has maintained his backing for captain Lorik Cana despite the team's recent disappointing results.

Former Marseille man Cana has struggled of late but Bruce is insistent that the midfielder remains an important part of the side.

"Adapting from playing in France to the here is huge," he told BBC Newcastle.

"I've got no problems with Lorik in terms of his commitment, yes he's suffered in the slump but he'll be OK."

Cana, who is also the Albania international captain, arrived on Wearside in July 2009 from Marseille for an undisclosed fee, and made a bright start to life at the Stadium of Light.

Meanwhile Bruce himself has become the target of criticism from a section of the Sunderland support as the club's run without a win in the league stretched to 11 games after Saturday's 1-1 draw with Wigan.

And the former Wigan, Birmingham and Sheffield United manager admitted he always expected a tough period in the job, particularly given his 'Geordie' roots.

"I've never denied, that I knew it wasn't going to be easy," he admitted.

"We had a wonderful start, and I think everybody, including me, got a bit carried away, but the one thing is I've got broad shoulders.

"If they want to use that stick, then fine, I've got no problem, but I would say to all the supporters I've seen we've sold over a 1,000 tickets which is incredible, and I'm still enjoying the challenge.

"When we come through it, there's one or two things that you do learn, you get to know it better and it's OK, there's no problem."

Bruce was appointed as manager of Sunderland in June 2009 following Ricky Sbragia standing down as manager at the Stadium of Light.

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