Sunderland's Liam Bridcutt has described his battle with Lee Cattermole for a starting spot as "healthy competition".

Bridcutt, a £2.5m signing from Brighton & Hove Albion on January transfer deadline day, is yet to start alongside Cattermole, but believes that the competition for places has a positive effect.

"There's obviously competition between me and Lee, but it's a healthy competition," Bridcutt told the Shields Gazette.

"Lee is a top player, and we know we're fighting for that spot. But I think we make each other better each day in training when we're competing for that spot."

Black Cats manager Gus Poyet recently revealed that Bridcutt could find it difficult to earn a spot in his team.