SUNDERLAND captain Lee Cattermole has geared up for this weekend's reunion with his former club by revealing hopes that an extended FA Cup run will lead to international recognition.

Cattermole has recaptured the sort of form during Martin O'Neill's first six weeks in charge which made him an England Under-21s regular during the earlier part of his career.

And having been overlooked by Team GB coach Stuart Pearce when around 270 letters were sent out to players who could be involved in this summer's Olympics, the Sunderland skipper would like to force his way on to the senior England stage sooner rather than later.

Such an honour looked fanciful earlier this year, when he was struggling to find form and fitness after having problems with his back and hamstring.

However, since O'Neill stepped in to replace Steve Bruce, the 23-year-old has rediscovered the level of performances that had led to the likes of Liverpool being credited with his services at the start of last season.

And while performing for Sunderland his upper-most in his thinking, the tenacious midfielder makes no secret of a long term aspiration to figure for his country.

"I've not heard anything about the Olympics," said Cattermole. "England ... well I think I'm playing well and if you get the nod you get the nod, don't you?

"I'm never going to write it off. I believe in myself and I've obviously done well for the under-21s in the past. Other people have progressed into the full squad in the past so it's obviously something I'm aiming to do."

Cattermole knows the best way to catch Fabio Capello's eye is to help make Sunderland in to a real force in English football.

After a disappointing start to the season, the Wearside outfit have climbed in to the Premier League's top ten and face Middlesbrough in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday.

If they can overcome North-East neighbours Boro then an appearance at Wembley is suddenly not too far away, something which Cattermole feels Sunderland should be intent on achieving.

The cup tie has added importance on the young Teessider, who was brought up a Middlesbrough fan by his father, Barry, even before he graduated through the club's academy.

"I had some great times at Middlesbrough. I played in some great games in Europe and everything," he said. "In the FA Cup we got to the semi-finals one year (2006). I managed to captain Middlesbrough at Fulham when I was just 18, that was brilliant.

"To captain Sunderland against Boro will be a special moment for me and a big moment for all of my family. It's nice that my mate Matty Bates is captain there. It will be funny to be line up against him."

Cattermole is relishing the prospect of having his family in his corporate box at the Stadium of Light on Sunday while many of his friends will be among the 3,000 travelling supporters.

He has had to deal with a number of requests since the draw was made in the immediate aftermath of Sunderland's third round triumph at Peterborough.

"For a couple of days it was a big deal - there were a lot of texts and phone calls flying about," said the 23-year-old. "Since then we've had other games, important games. You have to keep focused on those games. We're all excited.

"For Boro this is their biggest game. In Boro's eyes this is as big as Newcastle-Sunderland is to Sunderland's fans. It's a massive game.

It's a good draw, it's good for everyone. It's a tough game, we went to Peterborough last time and anything can happen."

Sunderland, meanwhile, have taken a number of new trialists on recently - one being a certain Balotelli!

Mario, the Manchester City striker, has been joined in England by his younger brother Enoch Balotelli, who has been training at the Academy of Light this week.

He has not been with the first team, but the 19-year-old, originally from Ghana but raised in Italy, has been looking to impress playing with the youth team after failing to impress during a stint at Stoke.

O'Neill is exploring a variety of options on the transfer front, although it would seem he does not have much money available to spend before the transfer window closes on January 31.

Bosnian striker Zlatan Muslimovic is another who has gone on trial. The 30-year-old, with 33 caps, left his trial at Rangers early to try to earn a deal on Wearside after leaving PAOK Salonika in the summer.

"Zlatan trained with Rangers," said agent Jan Bezemer. "Now another offer has come in to train at another club. Zaltan trained at Sunderland and we will now see how that works out."

n Sunday's FA Cup fourth round tie with Middlesbrough is an all ticket match.

Only supporters who have a purchasing history with Sunderland and are listed on the club's database will be able to purchase remaining tickets in the home end.

Tickets for the game are priced at £20 for adults and £10 for over-65s and under-16s for all areas other than matchday hospitality and Black Cats Bar and supporters are being encouraged to reserve their seats now.