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Mixed emotions for Zenden

Image: Zenden: Slots home Sunderland's opening goal at Bolton

Bolo Zenden revealed he had mixed emotions after leading Sunderland to only their second win in four months.

Black Cats boss Bruce praises veteran Dutchman

Stand-in Sunderland skipper Bolo Zenden revealed he had mixed emotions after leading his side to only their second win in four months. Zenden, 34, netted his first goal of the season in the 2-1 success against Bolton at the Reebok Stadium. But the Dutchman revealed the morale-boosting victory had been dampened by his concern for sick father Pierre. Afterwards he said: "That goal is for my father, who is ill in hospital. "I had time to think about what I was doing and Jussi Jaaskelainen is a very good goalkeeper. "He stayed in his box and I chose to take it around him on my right side which I do not think he was expecting. "There were one or two players sliding in so it wasn't an easy finish. "I had to make sure I got the shot inside the near post rather than going across goal."

Fantastic

Former Holland international Zenden set the Wearside club on their way to victory when he opened the scoring in first half stoppage time. And manager Steve Bruce lauded the veteran midfielder for his inspirational display throughout. He said: "He is a fantastic wee player. I wish he was 25 or 26, but he keeps himself in remarkable condition. "Maybe I have not played him enough but it was great to see him produce a performance like that."

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