Swansea v Sunderland: It's child's play for Johnson and Cattermole

Swansea v Sunderland: It's child's play for Johnson and Cattermole
The Black Cats' new winger has known their captain since they were 10-year-olds and they've played together before at Middlesbrough

Scary! O'Neill loves watching Johnson ghost past defenders
PA
Lee Cattermole has been told he will be prime suspect if Adam Johnson goes down under friendly fire.

After an impressive debut in the midweek cup stroll against Morecambe, Sunderland’s £10million capture from Manchester City has been turning on the style in training.

Midfield minder Cattermole has not been the only one left to chase shadows by his pal and former Boro team-mate - who he has known since the age of 10.

Fierce competitor Catts often leaves Martin O’Neill wincing as the tough-tackling skipper takes revenge on anyone who dares to leave him looking foolish with a touch of training ground trickery.

And the last thing the manager wants is for England star Johnson – who makes his Premier League debut for the Wearsiders at Swansea on Saturday – to get crocked by one of his own.

Black Cats' boss O'Neill said: “This week in training, Adam turned his mate Cattermole, and I was delighted that Lee didn’t swing a leg at him in response.

“Adam’s a quiet lad off the field, but I do use those words advisedly because I know he’s good friends with Catts. Of course if Adam’s form dips in any way, then I’m immediately blaming Lee.

“Getting Adam here is a coup, he’s a genuine joy to watch – he just ghosts past players.”

Johnson’s arrival could leave Seamus McDonagh out of pocket -Sunderland’s goalkeeper coach insisted he’d fork out good money to watch the 25-year-old play.

O’Neill added: “Seamus did say that he’d pay to watch Adam, so we might ask him to pay the admission in the next game.”

Steven Fletcher should also make his Sunderland league debut at the Liberty Stadium, with the former Wolves and Burnley striker bidding to thrive on the service provided by his fellow recruit.

Johnson’s arrival has brought the best out of rival wingman James McClean, who netted both goals against Morecambe.

O’Neill added: “I genuinely feel we are a threat down both flanks and that’s good news. I’m excited because we’re capable of creating something.”

 

Not an easy game mate but, we should be scoring at least one still fancy us for a point mind.

 

still think we will take all three mate, we now have the tools to counter tippy tap footy

 

cheers roger nice read

 

We will win!!!!!

Canny read Rog thanks.