Sunderland’s situation would not be as bleak if all of their players played like Lee Cattermole it seems.
Leicester City’s Shinji Okazaki in action with Sunderland’s Lee Cattermole
Billly Jones has suggested that Sunderland teammate Lee Cattermole is the one setting the yardstick that the rest of the Black Cats squad should look to reach with their performances, the Shields Gazette reports.
David Moyes’ men appear to be in dire straits in the Premier League with 10 points separating them from safety with just eight games to go following their 2-0 defeat to former relegation candidates Leicester City in midweek.
The game may have ended in defeat for Sunderland, but there was one positive with Cattermole returning from injury to make his first appearance for the side since September.
And Jones explained how good it is to have the tough-tackling midfielder back in the ranks.
“You know he’s been in this situation and he’ll give his all and if you match him you’ll get a good result,” he said, as reported by the Shields Gazette.
Leicester City’s Shinji Okazaki in action with Sunderland’s Lee Cattermole
“As an eleven he’s the benchmark for effort and commitment and we need to match that as a group. He’s a massive player for us and we’re grateful to have him back.”
With games against Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea amongst their last eight, Sunderland will know that they will probably need to pull off at least one upset if they are to stand any chance of pulling off another great escape.
And Moyes may be hoping that Cattermole’s return to the team helps give the side the boost they need to cause an upset or two, while also picking up points in the crucial games against the likes of West Ham, Hull, Middlesbrough and Swansea who are all involved in the relegation fight.
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