Cattermole joined Sunderland in August 2009

Midfielder Lee Cattermole says he is keen to help Sunderland back to winning ways after returning from injury in the 2-0 defeat by Aston Villa.

The Black Cats have won just once since the 21-year-old picked up a knee injury in the 1-0 win over Liverpool.

Cattermole told BBC Newcastle: "I think quite a lot has been made of the fact I've been missing, but we've had some tough games.

"I'll just do my best now I'm back to help the team get back on track."

He added: "Hopefully away at Man City on Saturday we can keep things tight and try to come away with something."

The former Wigan man came off the bench in the 71st minute against Villa, having missed the last eight games with a knee injury.

And while he was a relieved to be back playing, Cattermole said he was frustrated by the result.

"You get punished by good sides, that's been proven, and we need to get back to winning ways," he said.

The England Under-21 international was expected to be out for around three months after getting injured against the Reds in mid-October.

However, Cattermole has returned to action sooner than expected, giving boss Steve Bruce a timely boost.

Cattermole said: "I joined in with training in the last couple of days, and said to the manager I'd rather be involved win the first team than play a reserve game.

"It was good to get 20 minutes or so. I've had two days training, slotted straight back in and was running around like a mad man trying to get my fitness up.

"I'm looking forward to getting back involved in this Christmas period."

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