Cattermole believes future is James McClean

by James Hunter, Evening Chronicle, Jan 11 2012


LEE CATTERMOLE reckons the emergence of youngster James McClean could end up saving Sunderland a fortune in the transfer market.

Sunderland have struggled for balance this season with no FIVE different players used in the problem left-wing position in the first half of the season.

Former boss Steve Bruce saw a natural left-winger as a priority purchase in the January transfer window, with Aston Villa’s Charles N’Zogbia at the top of his shopping list after he missed out on the Frenchman in the summer.

However, Bruce’s successor Martin O’Neill took a gamble and promoted bargain £350,000 summer signing from Derry McClean to the first team.

The 22-year-old has proved a huge hit, even before scoring in his last two outings against Wigan and then in the FA Cup against Peterborough. With no need now to bring in a wideman, O’Neill can use any transfer cash to bolster other areas of his squad instead.

Captain Cattermole said: “Before McClean came into the team, it might have been something we were looking for in January. I don’t think the manager will be in a rush to go and buy someone now because he has taken his chance.That is what young lads need to do. He is as high as a kite at the moment and fair play to him. He has come in from Derry and no one knows about him. He has taken it all in his stride, he is not fazed by anything and I am over the moon for him. He is a great lad.”

While McClean has been the man to benefit most from O’Neill’s arrival on Wearside, he is not the only one to have found a new lease of life under the new manager.

Skipper Cattermole came under fire at the start of the season as Sunderland struggled under Bruce, winning just two of their first 14 league games.

However, the ex-Wigan man has turned in terrific performances under O’Neill, with the 3,000 fans who travelled to Peterborough at the weekend showing their appreciation by singing his name.

The 23-year-old believes the turnaround in results over the last month has altered the fans’ perceptions.

He added: “Maybe with players like me, if you are in a team which is struggling, then people start asking what is he bringing to the side? We missed chance after chance at the start of the season when we could have been winning games. If we had taken them, people would not have even mentioned anything. Whereas now, we are winning again and people start saying I am playing well. I just get my head down, keep going and I know I can offer a lot to the team.”

http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/spor...ieves-future-is-james-mcclean-72703-30098868/

 

Who is the N'Zogbia they speak off?

350k one of the bargains of the year, and plays in that mystery position of a left winger...topper.

 

I am willing to bet we will still be linked with N'Zog this xfer window / in the summer. It wouldn't be a transfer window with being linked to Charles.

 

I can't remember being so excited about a Sunderland winger since the days of Dennis Tueart, who was my favourite player of that era...

 

Saw him for the first time live against P'Boro and was thoroughly impressed - looks strong, can take players on and has a decent shot on him too - it is very rare to be able to dribble well and shoot effectivelly.

Very very impressed with him.

 

been very impressed with McLean since he made his debut against Blackburn and he looks like he is going to become a really good player for us.

Still think we need another left winger though and with Pienaar's name still being linked to us in the press and for 2.5m if we had him and McLean fighting in out for that position we would certainly have some strength in depth with regards to that position and would of spend less than 3m on one very good player and one player with massive potential.

 

Personally I think we need a left back, Richardson is far better on the wing and did really well there in the first few games under MON, let him and McClean fight it out for LW and get a proper Left back in.

 

Good player. I'd have him over Obertan tbh.

 

I'd play me over obertan and I'm 36 and can't run very fast and have 2 dodgy knees!!!

 

Yeah now I think about it I'd rather have anyone over Obertan.

Not to take anything away from McClean like. Looks like a talented lad.

 

Very talented lad, you'll get millions for him in a few years.

 

Obertan's one of the worst players I've ever seen

 

I feel sorry for him. He clearly has a lot of potential, anyone with that kind of pace does, but he just doesn't use it and clearly isn't being told to use it!

 

Theo Walcott has endless amounts of pace though Leazes, I wish people would just wake up and realise he's ****e and has no potential. I'd say the same with Obertan and our very own Tutankhamun in Ahmed El-Mohamedy. He's Barry White n all.

 

I see your point, but if Pardew is going to insist on playing him, using his pace is the only way he'll do well. He has had 2 assists, both from using pace. He gets in great positions to just knock it far and run, never does.

 

Ben Johnson had speed (haha), doubt he could play footy though.

 

Anyone remember David Bellion? Absolutely rapid however at top kilt couldnt muster a final ball to save his life. Another example of a poor footballer making a good living out of being a talented athlete.

 

It's funny cos it's true.

 

How can a thread which is about James MacClean of Sunderland end up being mugged by a Mag and discuss the merits or demerits of Obertan of Newcastle. Can't you Mags keep these topics on your own board. Most of us aren't interested.

 

Shut up man.