SUNDERLAND defender Anthony Reveillere is not expecting any let-up on the training pitch in spite of the international break this week.

While the likes of John O’Shea, Steven Fletcher and Seb Larsson, among others, are away from the club on duty for their countries, Frenchman Reveillere is one of those left behind, but insisted that it’s not a time to relax at Sunderland’s training base in Cleadon.

“We had two very important results before the international break but it is important that the players who remain here continue to work hard,” said the 35-year-old, who made his debut last week at Crystal Palace, and is yet to taste defeat as a Sunderland player.

“It also means that the ones who went away did so with a smile on their face, so when they come back they will do so to a very good atmosphere with lots of confidence ahead of the Leicester City game.”

Reveillere showed his versatility against Palace by switching to left-back following the injury to Patrick van Aanholt, and continued on the left side for the 1-1 draw against Everton on Sunday. And, despite the positional shifts, the former Rennes and Lyon man is enjoying life on Wearside.

“After the first match against Crystal Palace I was very tired and the second was also very difficult because it was played at a very high intensity,” said Reveillere.

“During the break I can recover a little bit and prepare for the following games – my physical preparation is going very well and I am getting physically stronger game after game.

“Everton are very good footballing team and they are very quick up front, so we played a good game and I think we have to be happy with how we did.

“A point means we move up the table a little bit and after the game against Crystal Palace it was very important to take something from the match.”

Meanwhile, Lee Cattermole spoke of his disbelief at winning the North-East Football Writers Player of the Year award for his efforts in 2014.

The midfielder, who has made more than 100 appearances for Sunderland since signing from Wigan in 2009, topped a poll of selected journalists, and said: “I couldn’t quite believe it when I heard, but I feel really honoured to have won an award as prestigious as this one.

“My family were over the moon and are really looking forward to the night and watching me collect the award.

“The last season had some incredible highs that I was lucky enough to be a part of but it’s not just about me personally; the lads, the coaching staff and everyone at the club played just as big a role.”