Sunderland squad backs Bruce, says Lee Cattermole

Cattermole joined Sunderland from Wigan in August 2009

Sunderland midfielder Lee Cattermole believes the squad are united behind boss Steve Bruce in the club's bid to stay in the Premier League this season.

Cattermole, 21, is set to return to the side after suspension and believes that the players and staff are focused on on a positive end to the campaign.

"Everyone's behind the manager," Cattermole told BBC Newcastle.

"Everyone's pulling in the same direction and we're still looking to finish in the top half."

The Wearsiders are 14th in the Premier League table with 26 points, three off the relegation places, although just four points separate West Ham in 13th and second-bottom Burnley.

Cattermole's return to the Sunderland first-team will be a boost for Bruce, who has seen his summer signing from former club Wigan face spells on the treatment table with various injuries this season.

Foot, back, knee and now groin injuries have all affected the combative midfielder this season.

And Cattermole admitted match sharpness will take some time to regain given his absences at the Stadium of Light.

"Even if I stay fit now it won't be until the end of the season it'll be the last few games where I really feel I'm back to full strength," he said.

"I spoke to the manager a couple of times about it, you have six to eight weeks off in the summer, you need six weeks of training to be ready for the season and to play a game, and I had eight weeks off, two days training, played a game and got injured.

"It just shows you have to do everything right and downstairs (at the Academy of Light gym) I've had a mini pre-season since the Portsmouth game and I'm feeling okay."

Cattermole began his career with hometown club Middlesbrough before switching to Wigan in July 2008 for £3.5m and rejoined former Latics boss Bruce at the Stadium of Light in August 2009.