Bruce claims O'Donovan impeded 'keeper

Roy O'Donovan's Sunderland debut ended in controversy last night as the former Cork City striker played a key role in the Mackems' equaliser in the 2-2 draw with Birmingham City at St Andrew's.

City manager Steve Bruce claimed O'Donovan held down goalkeeper Colin Doyle when Stern John bundled the ball home in the 90th minute.

He said: 'I was determined to go back in the Premier League and not bleat about referees or linesmen. But I've seen their centre-forward jumping on my goalkeeper and stopping him getting up. I think the referee should be seeing that, because everyone else is seeing that.

'After he makes the save, he's still lying in the back of the net. The referee and linesman have missed it - which has cost us dearly - and it's a shame, because he produced a fantastic save.'