Steve Bruce is refusing to rush Lee Cattermole back into action for Sunderland Football Club.

The inspirational 21-year-old midfielder has not played since damaging knee ligaments in October, and although he is close to making a return, Bruce is refusing to rush him back too soon.

"The one thing about Lee is we will just have to make sure he is ready," said the Black Cats boss. "Any time you have a medial ligament injury like he has, you have got to be a little bit careful.

“The last thing we want to do is bring him back too quickly. He has been absolutely fantastic in training. He has not joined in with us, but he is working extremely hard with the physios.

"He is not a million miles away, which will be a huge lift to everybody."

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