Connor Wickham wants chance under Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio

Sunderland striker Connor Wickham has insisted that he wants to fight for his place at the Stadium of Light.

Following manager Paolo Di Canio's public criticism of the 20-year-old, there have been suggestions that Wickham could be forced to look for a new club.

Despite fears over his future, the England Under-21 international has claimed that he is completely focused on securing a place in the Black Cats first team.

"For now, it is just back to the club, work as hard as I can and try to get into that Sunderland team," the Northern Echo quotes Wickham as saying.

Wickham moved to the club from Ipswich Town in 2011.