Michael Turner insists Sunderland will only begin to motor up the table once they decide on a settle starting line-up.
Former Hull defender forming a new defensive axis for Sunderland
Michael Turner insists Sunderland will only begin to motor up the table once they decide on a settle starting line-up.
The Black Cats brought in nine new players over the summer in the hope of making an outside push for a Europa League place.
But their influx of arrivals seems to have had an adverse effect as they languish a place outside the relegation zone.
Only four players - Simon Mignolet, Wes Brown, Sebastian Larsson and Stephane Sessegnon - have started all eight of the Black Cats' league games this term.
Suspensions to Phil Bardsley and Titus Bramble have further disrupted the understanding of the back four, and former Hull stopper Turner believes this lack of continuity in the team is one of the main reasons for their poor start.
Consistent
Turner told
The Journal: "The manager will be looking for a consistent back four and team.
"The first two seasons I have been here it has always been chopping and changing and it can be difficult playing with someone different every week but hopefully we can get good form and play well together.
"Injuries and suspensions you cannot really help - and other issues of course - but you just have to deal with changes to the team."
However, one positive to come out of Bruce shuffling his pack is the partnership between Turner and Brown, which has been used for the last two games.
Brown has been immense at the heart of the defence since his arrival from United this summer and his calming influence and experience has been appreciated by his team-mate.
Comfortable
"There have been players I have played alongside I have not felt comfortable with but sometimes you just click," he added.
"We have not had many games playing together and even though Wes and I have had bad starts in games we have been comfortable.
"Wes' positioning and sense of the game is great and if you play alongside someone like that you will get better yourself.
"He has brought something different to the club. He has great experience and is a really nice guy as well; he is not big-time at all.
"He is a great leader on the pitch in his own way and I have enjoyed the first two games with him."
