Sunderland manager Gus Poyet has hinted that Connor Wickham could fire his side to Premier League safety this season.

The striker scored twice on Sunday afternoon as the Black Cats beat relegation rivals Cardiff City 4-0 at the Stadium of Light.

"I said the team needed a shock, it is Connor, simple as that," Soccerway quotes Poyet as saying.

"Today he scored two headers which is so important for a striker of his size. The first header, that technical action is (from) the top, top level, it's outstanding."

Sunderland have moved out of the relegation zone following the win.