LIVE
...

Follow us on

Soccer News

Sunderland boss Chris Coleman confirms key role for Lee Cattermole

Lee Cattermole of Sunderland in action during the pre season friendly between Livingston and Sunderland at Almondvale Stadium on July 12, 2017 in L...
Follow us on Google Discover

Sunderland midfielder Lee Cattermole has started Chris Coleman’s side’s last five matches in a row.

Andreas Weimann of Derby County challenges Lee Cattermole of Sunderland during the Sky Bet Championship match between Sunderland and Derby County at Stadium of Light on August 4, 2017 in...

Chris Coleman has confirmed to the Northern Echo that Lee Cattermole will be given a vital role until the end of the season.

Cattermole has come under fierce criticism this term, with many Sunderland fans suggesting the midfielder’s best days are numbered.

However, Cattermole helped inspire a brilliant Sunderland comeback in their last match against Bristol City.

Lee Cattermole of Sunderland reacts during the Premier League match between Sunderland and West Ham United at Stadium of Light on April 15, 2017 in Sunderland, England.

The long-serving Black Cats man caused the own-goal which sparked Sunderland’s recovery, as they came back from 3-0 down to claim a point at Ashton Gate.

And Coleman now claims that Cattermole will be kept in Sunderland’s team for the remainder of the campaign.

“Lee will play a vital role in the rest of the season but they have all got to take the responsibility,” Coleman said. “They have to follow his example. Just don’t duck it, not be afraid.

“Don’t be frightened. Of what? Let’s say the worst case scenario happens and you lose a game of football it can be worse than that if you don’t show up. That is the worst case scenario because that feeling is dreadful.

Sunderland player Lee Cattermole (l) looks on dejectedly after teammate David Vaughan scores an own goal during the FA Cup Sixth Round Replay between Sunderland and Everton at Stadium of...

“So we can’t have that. It’s simple and old-fashioned but just show up and have a go. That’s what it is.”

Coleman has suggested that he will make changes to Sunderland’s starting line-up for their next match, as he was so frustrated with his side’s first-half against Bristol City.

Cattermole looks set to be in line to make his fifth start in succession though, and it will be important that he continues to find his top form.

Sunderland are currently in 23rd position, and sit three points adrift of safety in the Championship table.