Gus Poyet: 'Liam Bridcutt may find it tough to earn spot in team'

Sunderland manager Gus Poyet has claimed that Liam Bridcutt will need to display top form on the pitch to prove that he is worthy of a long stretch in the team.

The Black Cats face Hull City in the FA Cup quarter-final on Sunday, and Poyet has dropped a hint that Lee Cattermole was ahead of Bridcutt in the midfield pecking order following his impressive display in the Capital One Cup final loss to Manchester City last weekend.

"It's going to be difficult for Liam, it's as simple as that," the Uruguayan told reporters. "Sometimes you try to explain to players and they get it, sometimes they think it's just words.

"But when you are on the pitch and you have the chance to perform, if you perform, if [the team] play in a week's time, you are going to be there."

Bridcutt joined Sunderland from Brighton & Hove Albion in January.