Jack’s not in a Catt flap as midfielder makes impression

JACK Ross has praised the application of Lee Cattermole this summer and says the midfielder will stay part of his plans at Sunderland - providing he remains at the club beyond the transfer window.

Cattermole’s agent, ex-Black Cats chief executive Margaret Byrne, notified the club at the start of the summer both of her clients - Cattermole and George Honeyman - wished to leave the club.

Upon returning for pre-season training under new manager Ross, both have applied themselves well and impressed the former St Mirren boss.

So much so Honeyman was named captain by Ross earlier this week.

However, Cattermole - Sunderland’s longest serving player - has a somewhat fractious relationship with supporters these days.

Ahead of the first game of the season, Ross explained why Cattermole remained part of his first team plans at the Stadium of Light.

He said: “Coming to this club I wanted to be as open-minded as possible and give every player a chance.

“Lee has trained fantastically well since I took the job. He has also been hugely supportive of what I and the staff have been doing on the training pitch.

“In a short period of time the personal relationship I have with him is strong. We are able to communicate and I cannot speak higher of him.”