LORIK CANA is convinced that Lee Cattermole will become a full England international in the next couple of years.

Steve Bruce confirmed yesterday that damage to Cattermole’s medial ligament could see the tenacious 21-year-old sidelined for up to a dozen Premier League games.

Jordan Henderson, Kieran Richardson and Bolo Zenden offer Bruce central midfield alternatives, but Cattermole’s absence breaks up a hugely effective partnership that has been the driving force behind Sunderland’s impressive early season form.

Cana admits that he didn’t know a great deal about Cattermole before move to Wearside from Marseille in July.

But the Albania international has been pleasantly surprised to note the youngster’s quality, while revealing that Cattermole was being lined up to be his midfield partner three weeks before the protracted switch from Wigan was finally completed.

“I didn’t know a lot about Lee before I came here. When I was signing we talked about Lee with the manager and Eric Black so I knew what type of player he is,” said the £5m signing, who became a Sunderland player on July 24 with Cattermole joining on August 12.

“I was really surprised to find out he is only 21 because already he has fantastic quality.”

After only eight Premier League games together in the Sunderland engine room Cana is delighted with the understanding the pair have already forged. And he has tipped the England Under-21 international to become a major player for the senior squad at the European Championships in 2012 and beyond.

“He will be one of the best midfielders in England in two or three years. I think he can play for England,’’ said Cana.

“Maybe the European Championships in two years or even after that but I think he is going to be part of the national team.

“I hope Lee is not out injured for too long because he is a very important player for our team. We don’t have 25 top players like Manchester United so each player here is very important. We are going to miss him.”

Cana is fast becoming a cult hero among the Wearside faithful with Cattermole challenging him closely for their affections.

The pair have formed a formidable partnership but Cana insisted that there is more to the Stockton-on-Tees born midfielder than his combative approach.

“He is great at pressing the opposition and is a great footballer,’’ said the captain. “He can play football, he’s not just about making tackles.

“He helps me a lot on the pitch and we work a lot together.

It was amazing to find a good understanding with him from the very first game.

I hope it won’t be too long before he comes back fit.”

Bruce last week revealed that concerns about the lack of depth in his squad prompted him to sign Zenden on a contract until the end of the current season.

Cattermole’s absence could see the Dutchman pitched into a starting berth ahead of schedule while Richardson’s return from suspension and Henderson’s growing confidence provides the manager with contrasting options for Saturday’s trip to Birmingham City.

Meanwhile, Nyron Nosworthy has revealed via his Twitter internet page that he has been offered a new deal to remain at Sunderland.

In his message he said: “It’s true I have been offered a new 2 year extension. I really want to stay and be part of something special. I love Sunderland.”

His current deal expires next summer.