Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill has said that captain Lee Cattermole has been "outstanding" since his arrival at the club.

Cattermole, who missed O'Neill's first game in charge after being suspended, was later arrested on suspicion of alleged criminal damage near local rival Newcastle's Sports Direct Arena.

However, despite speculation that he would be stripped of the captain's armband, the midfielder has since rediscovered his top form under O'Neill.

"He got stuck in Scotland in my first week and got fined and there was another altercation," said the Sunderland boss. "It wasn't the greatest start.

"But I brought him back against QPR and he's been outstanding since then. Considering Lee is only 23, he's shown great leadership qualities."

Cattermole has made over 60 appearances for the Black Cats since arriving at the club in 2009.