Jack Ross reckons Lee Cattermole will claim Sunderland's equaliser | OneFootball

Jack Ross says a little deflection won’t prevent Lee Cattermole from claiming Sunderland’s equaliser in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Walsall.

Josh Gordon opened the scoring for the Saddlers after just four minutes at the Stadium of Light, but goals from Cattermole and Will Grigg gave the Black Cats a precious three points.

Cattermole’s effort hit the post and went in off goalkeeper Liam Roberts meaning it will probably be chalked off as an own goal.

But Ross believes the midfielder will be adding it to his tally anyway.

“I would assume so!” the manager told reporters.

“I haven’t seen it again but I understand it maybe took a big deflection on the way in.

“But Lee is on a really good goalscoring run this season so I am sure he will want to claim it.

“It’s pleasing for him. We have encouraged him to get in the box and to make forward runs, and he does it quite well and finds himself in good areas.”

Grigg may have scored the winner but Ross reserved special praise for Charlie Wyke, who was credited with the assist.

“I’m very pleased for Charlie, first of all, because it has been a tough season for him for a variety of reasons and it has been a tough period for him of late,” Ross said.

“I’ve said often enough that I communicate with my players a lot because it is my job to make them better but it is also my job to get the best from them, to look after them, and find out what we can do to help them.

“He didn’t score today but he has played a big part in winning the game and I hope he will take a lot of confidence and belief from that.”