The Rock of Gibraltar goes to Sunderland on loan

Sunderland have completed the season long loan signing of John Mensah from Lyon.

Earlier today it was reported that the Ghanaian international had received his work permit ahead of the move. Sunderland have been waiting for over a week for the formalities to be completed.

Mensah, nicknamed the "Rock of Gibraltar", adds some real quality to the side. Lorik Cana, who had faced the defender on a number of occasions during their time in the French league, http://www.sunderland.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=166865 last week, before it was even complete and Bruce has had a long term interest in the player.

Bruce said: 'I`m a huge admirer of John having seen him play on a number of occasions. He`s a solid, uncompromising defender who adds that extra steel and physical presence that I believe is essential to have in the top flight.

"John is also very experienced at international level, having represented Ghana alongside the likes of Michael Essien, Sulley Muntari and Stephen Appiah, he`s also vice-captain of the side. To be a leader in such a big, strong squad speaks volumes about the lad`s character so I`m delighted to have added him to our back line."

Mensah is Bruce`s sixth signing so far this summer and is the first of what looks like a flurry of moves prior to the transfer deadline, although the majority of moves will be players leaving the club. It is a strange situation for Sunderland fans, however, as we`re used to seeing an overhaul of the squad after a relegation and not when we`re trying to move up the league.

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