Sunderland boss Gus Poyet believes that striker Connor Wickham has the ability to play at the highest level of the game.

Wickham has scored five goals in his last four games to fire the Black Cats to the brink of Premier League safety, and provided an assist in their 1-0 win over Manchester United on Saturday.

Poyet told reporters: "A player with Connor's physique and ability can go wherever he wants. The chances football gives you, you have to take it and he has been doing that the last few weeks."

Sunderland will be all but safe from relegation if Chelsea beat Norwich City in their match at Stamford Bridge later today.

Written by
Simon Sinclair