Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill has warned midfielder Lee Cattermole that he needs to improve his discipline, but also claimed that he sometimes gets bookings for his reputation.

Cattermole, 23, has picked up nine yellow cards so far this season, with a punishment of a two-match ban awaiting anyone who picks up ten, a factor that has caused O'Neill to consider leaving the midfielder out of the game against West Bromich Albion so that he will definitely be available for next Sunday's Tyne-Wear derby with Newcastle.

"It's something I'll have a think about," said O'Neill.

"Lee can do better over the course of time. We need to get to the stage where we're not fearful every season that he has a two-match ban hanging over him halfway through February.

"It's something he can help himself out with, but I think referees are more inclined to book him by reputation."

Cattermole's discipline has been called into question before, with the midfielder receiving five red cards in the last three seasons.