SUNDERLAND will approach their game against Manchester City in the same way they did against Chelsea – and Lee Cattermole hopes they can go one better and take the three points.

The Black Cats are unbeaten at home against City in five outings at the Stadium of Light, last tasting defeat in 2009, and Cattermole feels Sunderland are well-placed to continue their fine record against the Premier League champions on Wednesday evening.

"It's something to build on," said Cattermole of Sunderland's 0-0 draw against Chelsea. "We can go into Man City with the same sort of gameplan. There will be no surprises from them.

"If we can go with the same gameplan and repeat the performance we put in on Saturday then I'm sure we'll come away with something."

Cattermole was the key player in Sunderland's display against Chelsea, shielding the defence well and starting attacks from the back, which attracted praise from commentators and pundits which have led to renewed calls for inclusion in Roy Hodgson's England squad.

But the midfielder said: "I've had enough tough times in the game to know not to get carried away on the back of some good performances. I just need to keep doing what I'm doing and look to help Sunderland.

"I hadn't had the chance to watch Match of the Day but I have heard people were complimenting me, and that's nice. I do feel my game is improving all the time, the manager has helped a lot with that. He's taught me a hell of a lot for that role, that defensive midfield role, it's all about covering the right angles and I feel I'm improving all the time, so it's going well.

"The manager deserves a lot of credit. We do a lot of work, Monday to Friday, getting prepared for the games. The boys show the workrate and the effort, it's that desire and concentration to stay in the game. I thought we could have nicked something in the end.

"It's credit to the boys. Everyone to a man was brilliant on the day, we had good instructions from the manager, we went out and put the game plan into play and it was a hard-fought point."

Cattermole was speaking at the Football Writers' Association North-East Footballer of the Year awards ceremony on Sunday evening, where he was given the top award on the night, and spoke of his pride at being recognised for his efforts in 2014.

He said: "I came to this night a couple of years ago when Simon Mignolet won, and I remember thinking it would be a great achievement to maybe pick this up one day. You see the names on the list, and I'm very honoured to have won it."

Meanwhile, renaissance man Anthony Reveillere’s start to his Sunderland career has attracted praise from fellow defender Wes Brown, amid talk of extending the Frenchman’s contract on Wearside beyond the end of the season.

Brown has played alongside the 35-year-old full-back since his debut in the 3-1 win at Crystal Palace a month ago, and Sunderland have stayed unbeaten with the former Napoli man in their ranks.

Reveillere adapted to the pace of the Premier League quickly, and showed his versatility after a serious injury to Patrick van Aanholt prompted the full-back to switch from right to left at Selhurst Park, a berth which Reveillere has occupied ever since.

Sunderland are expected to open talks with Reveillere to extend his contract beyond June, and Brown can see why after another accomplished display in the 0-0 draw with Chelsea which ensured the Black Cats went through November unbeaten.

“It’s incredible, but I’d played against Anthony before so I knew what he was capable of doing,” explained Brown.

“ He’s a very experienced player, and even though he came in mainly as a right-back, he’s fitted in and done a brilliant job over on the left. He’s filled in for Patrick at left-back, and been tremendous.

“He knows what to do, and his positioning has been spot on. It’s absolutely brilliant for us to have had somebody like that to call on. He’s fitted in tremendously.”

Meanwhile, Reveillere has revealed that he would be open to an extended stay on Wearside when talks are expected to commence at the end of the month.

Reveillere said: “I haven’t thought that far ahead yet. I’m just looking to make the most of each game as it comes. That’s what you do when you get to 35.

“But if Sunderland offer another contract, then we will see. I really like the club, the players, the stadium and the life over here. So if there was a chance to stay here longer, then why not.

“I’m very happy. I’ve played in a win and three draws so it’s all good. I’m pleased with the way I’ve been able to adapt to the side.

“I’ve been able to get used to the team and the level of the league. I’ve had to play on the left for the last few games, but that’s okay.

“I’m really enjoying the Premier League. In games like Chelsea on Saturday, you come up against some of the best players in the world. All I can keep doing is giving my maximum in every game.”