Sunderland defender Phil Bardsley has hailed the importance of his teammate Wes Brown following his comeback from injury.
The 34-year-old made his first Premier League start since January last year in the Black Cats' 1-0 win over Manchester City on November 10.
"When you've got players like Wes Brown in your back four, you're going to keep teams out," Bardsley told the Shields Gazette.
"I thought he was absolutely fantastic against Man City, particularly considering he's been out so long.
"He's had difficult times. What a top fella to come back from what he's had because many people would probably have chucked it."
Bardsley has made his way back into the Black Cats team following a number of off-field issues under the management of former boss Paolo Di Canio.
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