Sunderland's Bardsley Linked
Sunday, 8th Sep 2013 23:43

Town are being linked with a loan move for Sunderland right-back Phil Bardsley. The 28-year-old is currently sidelined with a broken foot for around a month, when it is expected he will move out on loan with manager Paolo Di Canio said to be weighing up whether to sanction a temporary switch to the Blues.

Salford-born Bardsley started his career with Manchester United and spent time on loan at Royal Antwerp, Rangers, Aston Villa and Sheffield United while at Old Trafford.

After a handful of senior appearances for the Red Devils, he moved to Sunderland for £2 million in January 2008. Since then he has made 145 starts and 22 sub appearances, scoring seven goals.

Bardsley, whose contract is up next summer, has hardly endeared himself to Black Cats boss Paolo Di Canio since he took over last season having initially angered the Italian when he was photographed in a casino lying on a pile of cash.

Then, having been linked with Fulham in the close season and after suffering his foot injury, the defender got himself into further hot water with a comment he made on Instagram.

Following the Wearsiders’ 1-0 home defeat to the Cottagers in their first game of the season, he posted: "Great opening day. Hahahhahaha hahahhaha!!!"

A suspension imposed by Di Canio was lifted after he apologised: "I would like to apologise to the club and supporters for my comments made on social media. I understand how they may have been interpreted.

"I accept the punishment that has been handed to me by the football club and will now focus my attention and efforts on rehabilitation and regaining my fitness."

Bardsley, who has won 12 Scotland caps, was previously linked with the Blues when Roy Keane — the man who took him to the Stadium of Light — was in charge at Portman Road.

While boss Mick McCarthy has repeatedly stated that he is happy with his 20-man squad and had no plans to add to it before last week’s deadline, he has said there is the facility to bring in loan players if required.

Right full-back may be an area where the Blues boss might look to make a further addition with 19-year-old Elliott Hewitt starting the first few games but having been replaced by Luke Chambers — primarily a centre-half — at Birmingham.

Photo: Action Images

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