The Egyptian wing-back played his first 90 minutes for the English outfit in their 2-0 friendly loss to Portuguese side Benfica on Tuesday.

He started as a right-sided midfielder but was given a more defensive role when Argentinean right-back back Marcos Angeleri was replaced at halftime.

"Ahmed Al-Muhammadi looked very assured when we switched him to right-back," Bruce said.

"(The substitution of Angeleri) gave us a chance to look at Al-Muhammadi in the right-back position and he gave us food for thought.

"He did very well there but then we shouldn't be surprised at that – he played at right-back for Egypt against England not too long ago.

"So far we've used him on the wing because he's got pace to burn but he looked very comfortable in defense too."

Al-Muhammadi joined Sunderland from Egyptian Premier League side ENPPI on a season-long loan.

He is pushing for a regular place in the Black Cats' squad ahead of the new season.

The team open their league campaign against Birmingham City at home on August 14.