Lee Cattermole has revealed that working under Gus Poyet at Sunderland has helped him mature on the pitch.

The combative midfielder has been criticised for picking up too many cards in the past, though he is certain that his disciplinary record will improve this year.

"When I was younger I wasn't as calm on the pitch as I could have been," he is quoted as saying by The Mirror. "Things also happened off the pitch which got blown out of proportion. I am more focused now and feel I am at a good time in my career.

"Cleaning up my act? Yeah. It is just being at a good time in my career. I'm not having to try as hard on the pitch and all the lads, as individuals, feel a lot more settled in knowing what the manager wants from everyone on the pitch.

"I've adapted my game to what the manager wants and that is purely and simply a defensive midfielder. I've learnt an unbelievable amount under him."

Cattermole is one of a number of uncapped midfielders being linked with an England call-up in the wake of Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard calling time on their international careers.