Lee Cattermole has claimed that Dick Advocaat has every Sunderland player behind him in the battle to avoid relegation.

The Black Cats have taken seven points from a possible 12 in the last four games to boost their survival bid, and Cattermole believes that it is the experienced Dutchman's calm approach which is bringing the best out of the players.

"He's very calm, very composed and very experienced," the midfielder told reporters. "That's probably just what we need right now because he's got such belief in the way he does things.

"Everywhere he's been, it's worked and it's beginning to work here now.

"The lads are hanging on his every word and following in the direction he wants to take us."

Sunderland currently sit 18th in the table.