Sunderland boss Steve Bruce admits Lee Cattermole is struggling to find form.

Cattermole suffered a knee injury during the 1-0 victory over Liverpool on October 17 and is still working his way back to full match fitness.

Bruce said: "It's very difficult. I know from my own experience, if you miss a big chunk of the season through injury, it takes you, in my opinion, just as long to get back.

"If you are out for six weeks, it takes you six weeks to get back to where you should be.

"In Lee's case, there is no more genuine boy than he is and he is trying his utmost - and he will get there.

"The more games he plays, the better he will become."