Bent (right) celebrated his first hat-trick in Sunderland colours

Sunderland striker Darren Bent has praised team-mate Steed Malbranque for his role in Tuesday's resounding 4-0 home win against Bolton Wanderers.

Bent, 26, netted a first hat-trick in their first league win since October and said midfielder Malbranque's quality service was a vital ingredient.

"Steed was fantastic today and set up loads of chances, and had a few chances too," Bent told BBC Newcastle.

"It is nice when you've got a creative player who can pick that pass."

Manager Steve Bruce named Bent, Kenwyne Jones and Fraizer Campbell up front.

Campbell scored his first league goal for Sunderland in 21 attempts and Bent said: "Whenever he's been given a full chance, a full season to play up front, he's scored goals. He did it at Hull and over in Belgium [for Royal Antwerp].

"He's a fantastic player and he got his rewards today, and in training over the last few weeks he's looked really really sharp and like he's getting back to himself.

"I was delighted for him to score the goal."

Bent has scored 19 goals for Sunderland following his summer move from Tottenham Hotspur.

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