Adam Johnson has defended his form since signing for Sunderland from Manchester City.

The winger points out that his return of four goals and 11 assists is sometimes overlooked.

Johnson told The Journal: "I know fans are not happy but I have scored four goals this season. I have put in more crosses than anyone else and I have had assists for 11 goals too.

"Those are the stats I prefer to concentrate on because they help give you confidence. The people who are ahead of me on the assists list are mainly at the top-five clubs.

"They are the likes of Juan Mata, Lukas Podolski, Theo Walcott, Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie - so that is not bad company to be in - and I am the only player in that group who is in the bottom half of the table.

"People do not really see that or look at those sort of things."