Lee Cattermole has told his team-mates to show some pride and stand up to the challenge ahead of Sunderland’s Super Sunday clash with Manchester United (KO 1.30pm).
The midfielder returned to action against Leicester City at the King Power Stadium on Tuesday evening, bringing enhanced passion, determination and leadership to the side on his first appearance since September.
Defeat was tough to take for the Black Cats who battled and often bettered the Foxes, but Cattermole is refusing to dwell on what might have been with another huge match on the horizon.
And although he acknowledged the ‘tough’ task at hand, the midfielder refused to shy away from the challenge ahead.
“We have another game coming up Sunday and we have to show some pride, stand up and find out what we’re all about,” said Cattermole.
“If you look at it, it looks very tough, but you don’t become a footballer by shying away from things and everyone has to have that drive – or at least you hope they have.”
He continued: “You certainly know what you’re going to get from the likes of myself and I’m excited to be back, so I’m looking forward to Sunday.
“I feel good and I’ve felt great for the last couple of weeks, but I need games and need fitness, and it’s obviously tough coming back in the position we’re in, but I’ll rise to it and look forward to it.
“We have to get ourselves going and show our fans how much we care about the position we’re in.”