I have always wanted to see a Sunderland skipper to 'mix it', lead by example and ruffle a few feathers ... but Cattermole does push the boat out.
Martin O'Neill was tenderhooks from two minutes onwards, and took the stance to replace the former Boro midfielder at the break.
Do we want to see Cattermole change his attitude?
Could he change?
His game is all about aggression and some could say - take away the bite in his tackle and you aren't left with much else.
When he was out injured the Wearsiders clearly missed his leadership in the middle of the park.
His strength is his presence and determination, and he demands the same from his team-mates.
You would expect all players to have a desire to win, but there are a couple who need a kick up the arse.
And that goes for the stars in bigger clubs other than Sunderland.
Michael Owen said (during his time at Man Utd): "I player better in a team that wins. I'm not as good playing in a team that struggles."
But the problem with Cattermole is the unnecessary yellow cards (and there was one on Saturday) and referees have him a marked man.
Cattermole has been sent off five times during his Sunderland career, and each one brings a suspension.
Most managers usually build their team around their skipper ... such as Steven Gerrard; Rio Ferdinand; John Terry; etc.
But that is a problem Martin O'Neill will have to address.