Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has welcomed confirmation that combative midfielder Lee Cattermole should return from knee ligament damage for the festive period. The all-action England Under-21 star picked up the injury in the 1-0 victory over Liverpool in October and was initially ruled out for three months. The Black Cats have struggled on their travels without the former Middlesbrough and Wigan favourite but remain in the top half of the Premier League table. Sunderland travel to take on Fulham on Sunday but the Craven Cottage clash may come too soon for Cattermole. Bruce said: "Christmas is a big time for us and Lee should be available."