Striker Connor Wickham insists Sunderland have enough good players in their squad to avoid relegation from the Premier League this season.

The Black Cats are 1.50 to go down to the Championship at the end of the campaign after sliding into the bottom three at the weekend following wins for Hull and Leicester.

The Wearsiders sacked boss Gus Poyet in the middle of last month and drafted in Dick Advocaat to save their season, but it has not gone to plan.

A 1-0 home win over Newcastle has been the highlight of the Dutchman’s tenure so far, with four points taken from four games following Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Stoke.

Wickham was on target at the Britannia Stadium and he now expects Sunderland to go on and secure their top-flight status despite a tough-looking run-in.

The 22-year-old said: “There are only five games left, but it is still a long way to go and although it is going to be difficult, I think we have more than enough talent in the changing room to take on the teams we have got to play and get the points we need to stay safe.”

Sunderland entertain Europa League-chasers Southampton (1.95) on Saturday and are 4.20 for victory with the draw at 3.10.

Wickham added: “We need to start the next game as we finished the Stoke one.”