Gus Poyet believes that being able to retain the services of midfielder Lee Cattermole is the "best decision" that he has made since he took charge of Sunderland.

Back in January, the 26-year-old was thought to be on the verge of completing a £5m switch to Stoke City, but Poyet pulled the plug on the deal late on.

Speaking ahead of Sunderland's encounter with the Potters this weekend, Poyet told the Sunderland Echo: "In transfer windows, it's the best decision I have made. I've got no doubt about that.

"I'm sure, with all respect to Stoke and to Catts, he's happier here. His reaction to the decision was spectacular."

Cattermole joined the Black Cats from Wigan Athletic in 2009.