Sunderland's Lee Cattermole has been opening up about his frustration at Sunderland's current position, believing they should be higher as a reward for their recent endeavours.

The Black Cats are six points from safety with just nine left to play for and slipped to the bottom of the table after Burton Albion's surprise win against Derby County.

Despite the precarious position, they've lost just one in five and earned a solid2-2 draw at Reading this weekend,

“I feel like we should be a closer to being out of the bottom three," he told the Shields Gazette. "The last five performances, we have done everything but win the games. We have dominated the games, but, unfortunately, (we’ve conceded) a couple of sloppy goals. We are not keeping clean sheets and it is killing us. In terms of performance and attitude from the players in the last five games, that is what it takes to play for Sunderland."

Relegation could be confirmed this weekend against Burton Albion, defeat for either side will send them down, but with Fulham and Wolves the other two teams to play Chris Coleman's side, the future looks very bleak.

“Imagine if this were October – we would be delighted with that performance. The manager would be saying, that is what I want to see from you every week. We’ve made one or two changes, but, otherwise, we have had a balanced team recently. That is the frustrating position we are in – that is what is tough about it.”

The Verdict

It is tough on Sunderland, but they're paying a price for a horrible season. A good run in the last five games isn't any good at all if you've been shocking for the other 41 games and Sunderland have.

Relegation will most likely be confirmed this weekend, with it will come the recriminations and reprisals. Few will remember three straight draws as a 'promising run' when they're driving to Spotland in August.