Craig Bellamy: 'Adam Johnson is not playing to full potential'

Craig Bellamy has expressed his belief that Sunderland winger Adam Johnson is not playing to his full potential, despite netting the winner in the Tyne-Wear derby against Newcastle United.

Johnson struck in the 90th minute to hand the Black Cats their fourth win in a row over Alan Pardew's side, the third time he had scored in the fixture in four games.

However, Bellamy feels that the 27-year-old has not unleashed the full potential he saw when he played with the England international at Manchester City in the 2009-10 season.

"Ability-wise, he was exceptional when he first came to Man City, when I was there," Bellamy told Sky Sports News. "He's a really likeable kid, a great personality.

"He's a player I always track and I'd love him to do well in his career. But, with the ability he has, he hasn't kicked on nowhere near to the ability he really has.

"If he could play Newcastle every week, he'd be playing for England all the time! But he's quick, he can go both ways, he's got a great shot on him and he's an intelligent kid. I'd like to see him do well."

Johnson has scored three goals in 16 appearances for Sunderland this season.