Sunderland boss Steve Bruce yesterday appointed Lee Cattermole as his skipper for the season, which starts at home to Birmingham tomorrow, following Lorik Cana's departure.
It is an eye-catching elevation for England U21 midfielder Cattermole who would almost certainly have made Fabio Capello's full squad for this week's friendly against Hungary had it not been for an injury-hit campaign last season, when he started just 19 Premier League games.
Despite only turning 22 this year, Cattermole is now a firm favourite on Wearside and Bruce, who signed him from Wigan for £3.5m, is convinced he will win a full cap this season.
