Sunderland midfielder Craig Gardner believes that striker Connor Wickham is "heading in the right direction" after he returned to the squad last month.

The former Ipswich Town forward has found chances few and far between under manager Martin O'Neill, but after featuring four times in recent weeks, Gardner has revealed that Wickham's hard work in training is paying off.

Gardner told BBC Newcastle: "He's been working so hard.

"He's 19 and has years ahead of him. He's heading in the right direction and we need him to keep performing."

"All credit to him because he's a top lad and a top player."

Wickham has scored just one goal in 25 appearances for Sunderland.