Cats feline poor over kitty paws

ALEX Neil will not be hammering on the doors of Sunderland’s moneymen demanding more signings.

The reason is because the fiery Scot (below) claims he has already taken them off their latches in frustration at the lack of transfer activity at the club.

The Black Cats head for Sheffield United tonight, unbeaten in three league games so far.

But while Neil is satisfied with his side’s start, he is concerned the squad is lacking depth.

Fears

And his fears have increased in the last 48 hours with centre-half Dan Ballard, a €2.4m summer buy from Arsenal, facing weeks out after breaking his foot in the 2-2 draw with QPR.

To make matters worse, the versatile Carl Winchester is another long-term absentee with a back problem.

Neil already had a sizeable shopping list before those setbacks but his need for defensive reinforcements has forced him to reassess his plans

Asked if he would be banging on doors for assistance upstairs, he said: “I can’t knock on the door anymore. “There’s probably no door there any more because I’ve pretty much bust it down.”

While his reply was tongue in cheek, it betrays Neil’s increasing irritation.

He admits Northern Ireland international Ballard will be difficult to replace.

Meanwhile, Sheffield United wing-back George Baldock insists they have one of the best players in the Championship in “amazing” Sander Berge. The €26m Norwegian midfielder already has two goals this season. Baldock said:

“He is unstoppable at times.

“He is a real threat and he is getting better and better.”