Sunderland midfielder Craig Gardner was delighted for Connor Wickham after his goalscoring performance in their FA Cup win over Bolton Wanderers.

Within three minutes of arriving the striker fired home from close range and he continued to look a threat after Gardner had smashed home the equaliser from long range.

"Connor is coming of age now," said Gardner of the 6ft 2ins, 14-stone front man.

"He is getting mentally stronger and he knows where the net is.

"He is an absolute animal and he bullies people and that is what he needs to do because he has a great future ahead of him."