Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill is impressed by what he's seen from teenage striker Connor Wickham.

O'Neill admits that he threw the 18-year-old in at the deep end in the 2-1 win over Blackburn, but likes what he has seen so far.

He believes Wickham has the talent and physique to fulfil the role Heskey played for him at Villa.

O'Neill said: "Without a doubt that would be nice. Connor has excellent natural ability.

"He is not just a sizeable centre forward up there for the sake of it.

"Over time I think he could ­develop into something really good."