Source: Team_Talk
Cattermole targets U21s recall
Sunderland captain Lee Cattermole is desperate to regain his place in the England Under-21 team as he pines for full honours. The Black Cats midfielder has lost his place in Stuart Pearce's squad and has seen team-mate Jordan Henderson leapfrog him into the senior squad. Cattermole's start to the campaign was blighted by a series of dismissals but the Middlesbrough Academy graduate is hoping his new blend of controlled aggression and skill will see him recalled to the international scene. His improvement has been duly noted by Pearce but the combative midfielder hopes that in time Fabio Capello does too. "I need to get back into the Under-21 side before I can start thinking about a full cap, but as an English lad playing in the Premier League it's always something that's on your mind," Cattermole told the Journal. "I've been left out of the Under-21s for the last few meet ups, but I've spoken to Stuart Pearce and told him I feel much more comfortable in terms of my fitness and everything this season."I had a few problems injury wise last year, and things were a bit up and down. But I'm much happier with how things are going now."I'm enjoying my football at the minute. I had a tough start to the season with the sending offs and things like that, but I've had a good run in the side now and a settled run of games, which I never really got last season."Henderson and Cattermole have been able to develop a good understanding at the heart of Sunderland's midfield, which has been one of the reasons behind their success this term. "I feel much fitter, and that's helping me get up and down the pitch all game long. "Sometimes, maybe I'm a bit more disciplined for the team and that detracts a bit from my own performance," Cattermole added. "I know I can push on a bit more now. Jordan and I have a good understanding, and I feel like I can push on a bit more without having to worry so much about what's happening behind me."If I want to go, Jordan's more than happy to sit."I'm enjoying playing, and I haven't really thought about England for one second. "I just want to keep doing well for Sunderland. But in my mind, I think I'm capable of playing for my country."