|
|
Sunderland manager Martin O’Neill insists Lee Cattermole will remain as club captain despite arrest
The new Black Cats boss has also backed on-loan forward Nicklas Bendtner, and is set to speak to Asamoah Gyan next week regarding the Ghanaian's future at the Stadium of Light
17 Dec 2011 14:14:00
By Jamie Dunn
Martin O'Neill has indicated he is unlikely to drop Sunderland pair Lee Cattermole and Nicklas Bendtner.
The midfielder and the Danish striker, on loan from Arsenal, have been bailed following arrests related to an incident in which cars were damaged in Newcastle city centre.
But O'Neill has suggested both players will keep their places in the squad for Sunday's clash with Tottenham, while Cattermole will remain as club captain.
"At this minute, I don't see any reason to change that," the former Leicester City boss told reporters. "The team played well against Blackburn but we might change things round, I don't know at the moment.
"If someone gets left out of the team after Sunday's performance, they should consider themselves unfortunate.
"If Lee plays in the team, he will be captain. I stress, at this minute, I don't see any reason to change it.
"Lee is as wholehearted as they come. Even in the little training sessions that we've had, he's vociferous. We might have, generally, a quiet team, but that isn't really unusual anymore."
Neither Cattermole nor Bendtner featured in the Black Cats' victory over Blackburn last weekend, with the former Wigan man serving a suspension while the forward had a groin problem. However, both are available if selected for the trip to White Hart Lane.
O'Neill also plans to contact Asamoah Gyan regarding his future at the club in the coming week, with the Ghanaian striker exclusively telling Goal.com a return to Sunderland from Al-Ain in January was not possible.
"The chief executive gave me his number, I haven't had a chance to call it," O'Neill said.
"Really, it was just a matter of me introducing myself to him as much as anything else and finding out how the land lies.
"I think perhaps the club he is involved with have got a pretty strong hold on him in many aspects, but still it would be nice just to have a few words.
"That I intend to do some time next week."
|
Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
The midfielder and the Danish striker, on loan from Arsenal, have been bailed following arrests related to an incident in which cars were damaged in Newcastle city centre.
But O'Neill has suggested both players will keep their places in the squad for Sunday's clash with Tottenham, while Cattermole will remain as club captain.
"At this minute, I don't see any reason to change that," the former Leicester City boss told reporters. "The team played well against Blackburn but we might change things round, I don't know at the moment.
"If someone gets left out of the team after Sunday's performance, they should consider themselves unfortunate.
"If Lee plays in the team, he will be captain. I stress, at this minute, I don't see any reason to change it.
"Lee is as wholehearted as they come. Even in the little training sessions that we've had, he's vociferous. We might have, generally, a quiet team, but that isn't really unusual anymore."
Neither Cattermole nor Bendtner featured in the Black Cats' victory over Blackburn last weekend, with the former Wigan man serving a suspension while the forward had a groin problem. However, both are available if selected for the trip to White Hart Lane.
O'Neill also plans to contact Asamoah Gyan regarding his future at the club in the coming week, with the Ghanaian striker exclusively telling Goal.com a return to Sunderland from Al-Ain in January was not possible.
"The chief executive gave me his number, I haven't had a chance to call it," O'Neill said.
"Really, it was just a matter of me introducing myself to him as much as anything else and finding out how the land lies.
"I think perhaps the club he is involved with have got a pretty strong hold on him in many aspects, but still it would be nice just to have a few words.
"That I intend to do some time next week."
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
|
Inside Goal.Com
-
Welbeck convinces Hodgson he is the man to lead the line
England beat Norway 1-0 at Wembley, with the Manchester United man hitting an impressive winner to stake his claim for a starting spot at Euro 2012
-
In Pictures: The best and worst kits at Euro 2012
The European Championship is just around the corner and Goal.com distinguishes between the trendy and the passe at the prestigious tournament
-
The five players Rodgers could sign to kick-start revolution
The new Reds boss was unveiled to the press on Friday and must immediately begin work on revitalising a thin squad with some additions in the transfer market
-
Managerial merry-go-round keeps spinning as Lambert takes Villa job
The Scot officially left Norwich City on Saturday to become the second new boss in June, following the appointment of Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool on Friday
-
Rodgers ushers in new Anfield era on his own terms
The Northern Irishman inevitably expressed his delight at landing the Reds job but evidenced plenty of the steely resolve which could see him become a success at Anfield
