Chance of Tees return after all for Cattermole
LEE Cattermole has never played for Sunderland against Middlesbrough at the Riverside – and he thought he was going to miss the chance to do so again this season.
But thanks to Middlesbrough’s FA Cup run, this year’s Tees-Wear derby has been rearranged and Cattermole is looking forward to the butterflies stirring inside him once more.
Thanks in no small part to Boro’s seven seasons in the Championship, Cattermole has only played in one of the six games between the two neighbours since April 2008. Then he was in the Teesside team beaten 3-2 at the Stadium of Light.
Having missed the reverse fixture in August, the 29-year-old thought he was going to have to sit out the Riverside game too when he underwent hip surgery.
But the March 11 date was put back until Wednesday because Boro were in FA Cup quarter-final action against Manchester City that weekend. “We have played them in a couple of cup games and I was buzzing, absolutely buzzing, but I was injured and missed them all in the end (except the 2012 League Cup tie),” he told Sunderland’s official website.
“When I had the operation I was told the time it would take me to get back.
“It has been a massive shame because it is a game I have always wanted to play in.
“It fell straight on the Middlesbrough game but I knew it would’ve been a big ask even if I thought I could make the bench for that game.
“It would be a great one for me and my family.
“It was a game I highlighted and I always had in my mind when I was doing all the rehab.
“After all the tough sessions you do you always want to be in the best possible position so when the game comes around you are ready.”
Cattermole made his return against Leicester City on April 4. It was only his third appearance of the season.
Newcastle United usually provide the opposition for Sunderland’s big derby, but with the Magpies in the Championship, this is the nearest they will get – and probably will be next season too.
Both clubs are staring down the barrel of relegation, and if Hull City and/or Swansea City win their home games today, their situations will look even more desperate. The Black Cats are nine points adrift of safety, the Teessiders six with 18 to play for.
Still, Stockton-born Cattermole is expecting a good atmosphere.
“It would be nice for both teams to be in a better position but we are where we are and we need to focus on getting a win which will give us some big momentum,” said the Black Cats captain, who made his Premier League debut for Boro at St James’ Park in 2006.
“It is a game I have felt I have always wanted to be involved in.
“It is a game that gives you butterflies and that nervousness.
“You only get that feeling now from real special games like cup finals.
“It is a night match and that always add something else. It is a great atmosphere down there and it is up to us to make it a special night for our fans.”