Who is Sunderland’s current longest-serving player on the Queen’s 90th birthday?

Name: Lee Cattermole
Position: Midfielder
At the club since: 2009

Cattermole has made 30 appearances in all competitions for Sunderland so far this term – Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

If Sunderland are to preserve their Premier League status come next month, the Black Cats squad will be looking at their longest-serving player Lee Cattermole for the inspiration, grit and determination they need to stave off relegation.

The 28-year-old; who arrived at the Stadium of Light back in August 2009 after joining from League One outfit Wigan Athletic in a deal worth a reported £6m, has since made 178 first-team appearances for the club, scoring two goals and four assists in the process.

It is fair to say that Cattermole; who has represented England at Under-16, Under-17, Under-18, Under-19 and Under-21 level, but is yet to make his senior international debut for the Three Lions, is no goalscoring attacking midfielder or majestic playmaker.

But the former Middlesbrough youth graduate is Sunderland’s engine in the midfield of the park, one who never shies away from a tackle and is renowned for picking up a few yellow cards here and there – perhaps even a red!

However Cattermole’s commitment to the cause at the Stadium of Light cannot be questioned, just look at his reaction from the weekend when the central midfielder cleared an effort off the line during the Black Cats’ crucial 3-0 victory at relegation rivals Norwich City. Leader.