Connor Wickham plans to put U21 performances to good use

Connor Wickham believes that his experience with the Under 21 squad in England will help him secure a regular spot in the Sunderland side.

Connor Wickham wants to start more regularly for Sunderland.

The English squad had a grueling time after putting up a series of dismal performances, at the first hurdle itself, that got them eliminated from the European U21 Championships.

Wickham, who was part of the squad was left embittered after three defeats in a row, but has decide to spin his disappointments in a positive manner by bringing his A game for his club in pre-season.

Wickham told the Northern Echo: “For now, it is just back to the club, work as hard as I can and try to get into that Sunderland team. Now obviously there is nothing we can do about this tournament – it has gone.”

“For me personally, I am looking to the next one, but first and foremost I want to get back into the Sunderland team and starting to play football again.”

Wickham has admitted that it is the responsibility of English players to accept the blame for not meeting the high expectations associated with them, prior to the tournament.

Paolo Di Canio, the new manager has recalled Wickham to the first team, as a token of his faith in the former Ipswich player, and Wickham is hoping to live up to the expectations of the Italian.

Source: Sky Sports