Sunderland boss explains why Lee Cattermole is in his plans despite facing uncertain future

Jack Ross has again praised Lee Cattermole's attitude and said that he will be part of his plans as long as he remains at the club.
Lee Cattermole.Lee Cattermole.
Lee Cattermole.

The 30-year-old is one of the highest earners at the club, having not seen his salary reduce following relegation to League One.

As such, his future has been the subject of intense speculation and despite being vice captain to John O’Shea in recent campaigns, the armband has this year been passed to George Honeyman.

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Ross, however, said he has been outstanding and will therefore consider him for selection on Saturday.

Sunderland’s key midfielder, Dylan McGeouch, is a doubt for the game due to a calf problem.

Ross said: “I take players as a find them, and his [Cattermole’s] attitude in training every single day has been outstanding.

“He puts himself in the firing line whether it be in training or on the pitch, so that’s a very different scenario.

“The relationship we have is good, our dialogue is good.

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“As long as Lee is part of my squad and displays the attitude that he has, then he’ll always be part of that.

“I can’t speak highly enough of him in that respect.”

Ross admitted, however, that the situation could change should a club move for Cattermole.

He said: “Things can change quickly in the transfer window - we saw that with Callum McManaman.

“So until that window shuts next week we don’t know for certain exactly what our squad will be.

“But certainly, how I’ve found him, what he’s given me on the training pitch, how he’s applied himself and been around the club overall, has been fantastic.”