Lee Cattermole hails former Sunderland youngster after Gateshead debut | OneFootball

Lee Cattermole has praised a former Sunderland youngster after a composed Gateshead debut in pre-season, highlighting a promising start to his time with the National League side.

According to Sunderland Echo, the 20-year-old agreed a two-year deal at the International Stadium last month as Cattermole’s first signing as manager, then joined training when the Heed returned last week.

He made a half-time entrance in Tuesday night’s 6-0 friendly win at Northern League club Blyth Town, the opening match of Cattermole’s reign at Gateway Park, and delivered a steady display in central defence.

Cattermole was encouraged by the defender’s attitude and potential, saying staff would focus on developing areas of his game while noting his size and Sunderland pedigree as positives. He added that challenges will arrive for every player, and that the right approach will be crucial.

First-team coach Martin Smith, another former Sunderland academy player who featured alongside Lynden Gooch and George Honeyman, was handed a surprise start in Northumberland. Cattermole clarified Smith will not play during the season, explaining the run-out allowed him to experience on-pitch elements of recent training as part of his coaching work.

Source: Sunderland Echo