Sunderland captain John O'Shea has hailed the current form of Adam Johnson.
The £10m former Manchester City winger has scored four times in the last two games, and been involved in his side's last six goals.
Ahead of their Capital One Cup clash at Manchester United, O'Shea said: "All our attacking players have to step up to the plate during the season and Adam's in a hot run of form at the minute.
"We'll be getting the ball to him as much as we can, but it's up to other players to use that knowledge, and Adam himself. If he's going to have two or three players around him, he's got to realise other lads will be free to pass to.
"We're going into a massive occasion and it's one we can look forward to."
