Vaughan out to impress Bruce in Welsh jersey

David Vaughan hopes that some impressive performances for Wales in their Euro 2012 qualifiers against Montenegro and England can help him force his way into Steve Bruce’s starting line-up at Sunderland.

The midfielder joined the Black Cats following Blackpool’s relegation from the Premier League at the end of last term, having won many plaudits for a string of excellent displays alongside Charlie Adam in the Seasiders midfield. Vaughan, 28, faced his former team-mate as a substitute in Sunderland’s opening-day draw at Liverpool but has not featured in the Premier League since, having been an unused replacement in the derby defeat to Newcastle and the weekend draw at Swansea. Vaughan is likely to retain his place in the Wales midfield for Friday’s clash with Group G surprise package Montenegro at Cardiff City Stadium, and hopes to take the chance to play his way into Bruce’s plans.

He said: “I have enjoyed it so far at Sunderland. I am getting used to a new environment but it has gone quite well. I played in the first game at Liverpool, I came on, but I have not played since.

“That’s been a bit disappointing but going to a new club you sometimes have to wait and bide your time.

“This week gives me an opportunity to play some games for Wales hopefully, and if I can do well it will help my chances of playing more regularly for Sunderland.”

With Wales unable to qualify for next summer’s finals in Poland and Ukraine, many fans are already casting their minds forward to facing England at Wembley in a week’s time.

And, while Vaughan would relish the chance to be involved in that encounter, he has warned that Wales must focus on the task at hand before they can begin to contemplate facing Fabio Capello’s men.

“Playing England is a massive game for anyone,” he said. “But we have a job to do first and then we can concentrate on England afterwards.