GUS POYET has avoided a deadline day dip in to the transfer market for a new midfielder after learning Sunderland's inspirational Lee Cattermole is not facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Cattermole underwent further tests on his knee and groin problems on Friday and any fears there were that surgery was required were allayed.

The former Wigan and Middlesbrough man will now be expected to return to action before the end of February, so Poyet has decided against a late bid to bring in a replacement before the transfer window closes at 11pm tonight.

“I would say it's two or three weeks for Lee,” said Sunderland’s head coach. “It is decent news. I was a little bit nervous. It was important we had clarification before the transfer window finished.

“If it had been bad news and a long-term injury maybe we would have had to move quickly. He'll rest for four or five days and then slowly start training. The specialist is positive he will be back without any problems.”

Liam Bridcutt performed solidly in the defensive midfield role in the 2-0 win over Burnley and Jack Rodwell, who was suspended on Saturday, has also played there in the past so will provide an alternative option for upcoming games with Fulham, Swansea, QPR and West Brom.

Poyet, who has allowed Greek winger Charis Mavrias to return to Panathinaikos on loan, will not be tempted to bring in a new middle-man today, nor will he look at adding any other new faces to his squad to play in other areas of the pitch. He is prepared to wait until the summer to make further additions.

That means he has also ruled out bringing in a different striker because he is satisfied with the attitude and character shown by Danny Graham since his return from a loan spell at Wolves. After Connor Wickham and Jermain Defoe’s goals against Burnley, both made way for Graham and Steven Fletcher.

“I hope I have the same squad after the transfer window shuts,” said Poyet. “People are telling me to switch my phone off and not read my emails because that's the only thing that can change it – an unexpected, incredible offer for one of my players. If it was impossible to say no, that's different.”

The fact Graham looks set to stay marks a huge turnaround. He said: “Danny's the best example you can make in football. He doesn't give up, he is always there. He's willing to play and willing to give his all. He's pushing me to the limit.

“If I need to make a change up front he's an option. He's a great example of someone not giving up. He's important for us.

“He didn't play a lot and in the beginning (of the season) – I couldn't even put him on the bench. He was lacking match-fitness, which you only get from playing, but when he came back from Wolves and was a totally different player.

“That was because he had been playing. I'm really pleased and proud of him. Personally, I really like him. Nobody's for sale. Don't call me.”

Sunderland head for Fulham in the FA Cup fourth round replay tomorrow night and the likes of Graham should figure because Defoe will be one player guaranteed to be rested. Defender Wes Brown could also return to the side after being left out against Burnley.

Poyet said: “Wes was just my decision to leave out. I couldn't give too much information before the game but he's only been training for a couple of days. I thought it was better to go with the player who had been training all the time. But he trained on Saturday and he is available for Tuesday.”