Sunderland captain Lee Cattermole is keen to make up for lost time after missing most of last season through injury.

The 29-year-old featured just eight times for the Black Cats during the 2016/17 campaign as the club finished bottom of the Premier League, ending their ten-year stay in the top flight.

Speaking to the club’s official website, the 29-year-old said:

“No one likes to miss games or training. I had a serious operation which is quite rare, really. For me to see the benefits from it – which I didn’t know would come – I haven’t had any pain or symptoms from the past, which is great.

“I’m excited now to say, ‘let’s get five or 10 games in’ but I have to take it one game at a time and keep doing the stuff I did in the summer.”

Cattermole, who joined Sunderland back in 2009, has started all five of the Black Cats’ opening league games this season wearing the armband every time too.

The Verdict

Although he isn’t a one club man, having played for Middlesbrough and Wigan in the past, Sunderland is the club that Cattermole has spent most of his career at so the fans will be delighted about his comments.

He knows the club, he understands the fans, and he is one of their best performers week in week out when he is fit.

Players like Cattermole will be key to Sunderland having a respectable first season back in the Championship.

What do you think Sunderland fans? Let us know your thoughts about Cattermole's comments down below!