Lengthy lay-off's for Cattermole & O'Shea

Martin O'Neill has been dealt further bad news after it was revealed both Lee Cattermole & John O'Shea will be sidelined for 'weeks' following the West Brom defeat.

Skipper Cattermole was withdrawn during the first period following a collision whilst putting a cross in.

Defender O'Shea did not re-emerge at half-time, forcing Phil Bardsley to centre-back and moving Seb Larsson to right-back.

Speaking to The Sunderland Echo, O'Neill admitted it was bad news on both players.

"It`s not good news on either of them," O'Neill grimaced.

"Lee has done the knee which kept him out of the game against Everton while John is likely to be looking at a few weeks out with the calf injury."

O'Neill does at least have options in the centre of midfield with both David Vaughan and Craig Gardner on the bench, whilst David Meyler is out on-loan.

Centre-half could prove more problematic with Wes Brown also a long-term absentee.

Titus Bramble appears not to be in O'Neill's plans presently with Matt Kilgallon preferred on the bench yesterday.

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