Connor Wickham has said that he is determined to be the first-choice striker at Sunderland next season.

The 21-year-old impressed for the Black Cats towards the end of last season, following loan spells with Leeds United and Sheffield Wednesday.

Wickham has stated that he wants to become a regular starter, after scoring five goals in nine appearances to help the club survive in the Premier League.

"The aim is to be the main striker next season," he told the Shields Gazette.

"I'll take a break, switch off, relax and have a bit of chill out time. Then I'll start doing my training and start thinking about it. I'll make sure I do the right training and make sure I put myself in the manager's thoughts when we come back.

"There's a lot of competition for places, particularly as [Steven] Fletcher is going to come back. But it's down to me and what I can do, I've just got to be better than anyone in my position."

Wickham joined Sunderland from Ipswich Town in 2011.