Dick Advocaat has warned Lee Cattermole that he can have a regular spot in Sunderland's starting XI but only if he can put his poor start to the season behind him.
The English midfielder was a key contributor in helping the Black Cats survive from relegation last season but has failed to replicate his form from that period, after conceding two penalties against Aston Villa and Leicester City.
However, Advocaat is willing to offer the 27-year-old a regular place in the side, after he impressed the Dutch manager with his performance in their 4-1 defeat to Manchester City in the League Cup.
"I told him that it was much better. He was a really big factor in last season, on and off the pitch," Advocaat told the Shields Gazette.
"But I was not happy with the way he was playing at the start of the season. He came on the other night though and he did what he had to do – kept it simple, played it to the other players and controlled things.
"If he can do that, then he is for this club."
Cattermole is expected to fill in for Jack Rodwell against Manchester United on Saturday.
