Former Wigan Athletic midfielder Lee Cattermole is excited by the prospect of playing for Sunderland's massive support.

"I lived in Manchester last season and Sunderland is a lot different," said Stockton-born Cattermole, 21.

"In Manchester there are about eight clubs locally, but up here there's only one club per city and there's a lot more focus on us.

"It means more pressure, but as a footballer that's what you want and I'm looking forward to it.

"The pressure up here was half the sale. Playing in front of 40,000-plus crowds will be brilliant. There are more fans and expectations up here and that's certainly a challenge."