Bridcutt Joins Leeds United, Buckley Returns

The defensive midfielder - who Gus Poyet once claimed wouldn't look out of place in the Real Madrid team - has joined Steve Evans' side on an initial short term loan and could make his debut at the weekend against Queens Park Rangers.

Bridcutt told the official Leeds United website:

"I feel 100 per cent ready. I’ve been playing reserve games at Sunderland and I’ve been keeping myself fit. I’ve been doing extra work and I don’t think my fitness will be a problem. It’s entirely up to the manager - I don’t expect to go straight into the team, I have to earn that right.

I know we’ve got a good squad and it’s the manager’s decision if he feels I’m ready to go in. It’s been difficult for me – not getting the games that I needed and wanted at Sunderland. This is a brilliant opportunity for me to come and play as many games as I can. I know that the expectations here are high – it’s a very good club. The fans expect a lot. It’s a big club that I want to do well for."

Bridcutt's time at Sunderland really can't be described as anything other than a massive, massive disappointment. Having arrived with a growing reputation as a very good young player - putting a man of the match winning performance in the 3-0 away win at Newcastle on his debut - Bridcutt quickly fell down the pecking order and found opportunities for a place in the side sparse once Gus Poyet left the club.

Bridcutt added:

"A few things came up a few weeks ago and the club (Sunderland) spoke to me saying that Leeds were interested in taking me on loan. At the time I had interest from a few other clubs, but Steve rang me and said it was a great opportunity for me to come and play. I think it’s the right move for me. It’s been on and off for the last few weeks now. I’ve had a few other options, but from speaking to the manager he’s given me the confidence to come here and show what I can do. When the manager shows so much interest in you and puts so much faith in you, you always want to repay that with your performances. That is one of the main reasons I have come here. He’s given me a good opportunity to come and play and hopefully I can do that."

Whilst one Poyet signing leaves another returns, as Will Buckley has been recalled from his loan spell at the Yorkshire club. Having not played in any of their last four games it would seem Sunderland have brought him back to the club with the loan spell being a bit of a waste of time, considering the point in letting players leave is for them to actually play.