Sunderland’s Cattermole relishing overdue Boro meeting

Lee Cattermole admits he has butterflies in his stomach when he thinks about Wednesday night’s reunion with Middlesbrough.

The now-Sunderland midfielder came through as a graduate at the Riverside and, when just 17 years of age, made his debut in the cauldron that is Newcastle’s St James’ Park.

That was the start of an inspired period for Cattermole in derbies, with his best seemingly coming to the fore each time he faces the Magpies.

But when it comes to facing Boro, the 29-year-old has been on the wrong side of the luck.

Missing the last three league meetings due to injury, the time is now finally here for Cattermole to face up to his former club, a game which is already giving him a nervous feeling.

“It would be nice for both teams to be in a better position but we are where we are and we need to focus on getting a win which will give us some big momentum,” he said.

“It is a game I have felt I have always wanted to be involved in.

“We have played them in a couple of cup games and I was buzzing, absolutely buzzing, but I was injured and missed them all in the end.

“It has been a massive shame because it is a game I have always wanted to play in.

“It is a game that gives you butterflies and that nervousness. You only get that feeling now from real special games like cup finals.

“It is a night match and that always adds something else. It is a great atmosphere down there and it is up to us to make it a special night for our fans.”