Bent scored his seventh goal of the season in yesterday's 2-2 draw at Manchester United.

It is an impressive return for a player being hailed as the successor to former goalscoring hero Kevin Phillips and more than justifies Bruce's decision to spend a club record £10million to lure the 25-year-old north from Tottenham, where he endured such a difficult time.

But while some have retain doubts over Bent's ability, Bruce has none. And he expects the Londoner to go on to bigger and better things.

"Darren is up there with all the top goalscorers," said Bruce.

"He is doing exactly what we bought him to do.

"He is a very good goalscorer and he is English. There are not many of them. That is why we paid the money we did.

"He can't do any more than score goals in the biggest and best league in the world."

Certainly Bent's goalscoring record bears scrutiny.

The former Ipswich and Charlton star has just over 250 first-team appearances at various levels to his name, during which time he has scored over 100 goals.

It is an impressive return, particularly as he had slipped down to fifth-choice striker at White Hart Lane under Harry Redknapp and one that could improve still further given his partnership with Kenwyne Jones is starting to bear fruit.

"That is one in two when he starts a match," said Bruce.

"He has forged a really good partnership with Kenwyne. They are a handful and I hope it continues."