Connor Wickham is yet to prove himself at Premier League level but the Sunderland striker is hoping he can now thrive at the Stadium of Light under manager Gus Poyet.
The 20-year-old has already shown what he can do at Championship level this term, after enjoying a successful loan spell with Sheffield Wednesday.
Eight goals in 11 appearances for the Owls has earned him a recall to the North East, as the Black Cats look to bolster their attacking options with the young Englishman.
The pressure has been on Wickham to impress since his £8.1million move from Ipswich Town in 2011 but as yet he has been unable to live up to his price-tag.
However, the powerful forward is now looking forward and is desperate to make the most of his latest chance to impress at the Stadium of Light.
He told the Northern Echo: “I’ve spoken to the manager and he’s just said I’m in his plans and told me what I need to do.
“I’ve gone in and asked what I need to do to get into the team because I don’t want to just be sitting on the bench.
“I’ve just come back from a loan spell so I’m sharp and ready. I can’t wait to get on to the pitch and prove my worth here.”
Wickham might well get an opportunity to impress when Sunderland face Arsenal in the Premier League on Saturday.
The Black Cats are 9.69 to cause an upset at the Emirates and 1.28 to lose to the title chasing Gunners.
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