Bruce: Penalty MISS made me sign Gyan

Steve Bruce says Asamoah Gyan's World Cup penalty MISS convinced him he's got the character for the Premier League.

The Sunderland boss spend a club record £13 million on landing the Ghana striker last week, and reckons his quarter final ordeal, when he missed a last minute spot kick, but went on to score in a shoot-out showed a resilient character.

The 24-year-old was yesterday awarded a work permit and will play at Wigan at the weekend.

Bruce said: "I've been impressed with his character. He missed a big penalty against Uruguay but dusted himself down and stuck the second one in the top corner in the shoot-out.

"Everyone remembers that miss from Asamoah; Ghana were minutes away. Let's be fair, it was an injustice with the handball off the line, then he missed the penalty.

"I've been chasing him for about three or four years but never been able to afford him. Thankfully, we got it done this time."

Gyan will be asked to lead the line and be a foil for England's Darren Bent.

Bruce added: "Asamoah's a typical number nine. He led the line himself for Ghana and for Rennes in France. He is used to playing alone and wants to lead the line.

"To get the best out of Benty, Danny [Welbeck] and Fraizer Campbell too I think we need a player like him."