Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill has called on young players such as Connor Wickham and Ji Dong-won to challenge for places in the side as the season draws to a close.

The attacking duo have found it difficult to force their way into the Black Cats first team following O'Neill's arrival at the end of 2011.

Despite a limited number of appearances this season, O'Neill insists that they still have a future with the club.

"I'm aware that players like Connor and Ji will be disappointed not to have had more time on the pitch," the Northern Irishman told the Evening Chronicle.

"And now that we've passed the 40-point mark there's maybe the opportunity to use the squad more. But we still want to finish this season very strongly and they will have to merit their inclusion.

"It would be nice during the course of the next seven matches if some of the younger lads get more of a chance to set them up for the summer, but that's the challenge for them."

Sunderland next host Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Saturday.