Sunderland manager Steve Bruce confirms Craig Gordon contract talks are on hold

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Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has confirmed the club are yet to open contract negotiations with goalkeeper Craig Gordon.

The Scottish international is out of contract next season, having arrived on a five-year deal from Hearts in 2007, yet has made only 15 appearances for the Black Cats this term after a further injury-plagued campaign.

The 28-year-old had broken his arm twice in succession, whilst Belgian goalkeeper Simon Mignolet has deputised throughout the 2010-2011 Premier League season, and now a knee tendon problem means Gordon is set to miss the club’s pre-season build-up, with boss Bruce admitting the shot stopper’s persistent injury problems are a factor in any new contract talks.

Speaking to reporters, Bruce said: “We can’t go into negotiations now with someone who has had a serious knee operation.

“That is the way football is and I think he understands. He is not going to do pre-season again this summer.

“The lesson I have learned is I can’t take the risk. I have got to find another goalkeeper. I need to try and bring in someone else.

“Craig has to get back fit and give us the problem then.”