Sunderland midfielder Lee Cattermole is hopeful that he can remain injury free for the remainder of the season having made his return to action in yesterday's stalemate against West Bromwich Albion.
The 26-year-old produced an impressive display on his first appearance in two months, although he was unable to help his side avoid what was their eighth 0-0 draw of the campaign.
Having put his knee and groin problems behind him for the time being, Cattermole is now focused on helping the Black Cats push up the table and away from relegation danger.
"It was nice. I trained Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and just to come through those days, I was happy," he is quoted as saying by The Shields Gazette. "The manager chose to play me. He felt it was a really important game and it paid off.
"I came through the game, I was fit and I was delighted how it went. I would love to have won the game, but on another day, I think we would have. I like to think I help players on the pitch and that's a key asset for me.
"I like to think I drive players on and get more out of them. That's one of my attributes and if that's been missed, then that's been missed. But I'm back now, I want to push on and finish the season strongly."
Cattermole has been restricted to 19 Premier League appearances so far this season.
Daniel Lewis
