Sunderland boss Gus Poyet has warned Adam Johnson he's now set the standard after a superb hat-trick in victory at Fulham.

Johnson's first professional hat-trick lifted Sunderland off the foot of the league table as the Black Cats thumped Fulham 4-1 at Craven Cottage.

"I will help him and I will try to help him to put him there," said Poyet. "And I will tell you why. If Johnno makes the World Cup we are in the Premier League for sure.

"Normally when you reach 26 there are no more excuses.

"You're experienced enough, but you're not old yet, so you still have the pace and the ability, so that's when you have to be at your best.

"You understand the game better, you have played against everybody everywhere so there is no pressure you can't handle.

"So I hope that his form now will give us a big opportunity to stay up."