Sunderland midfielder Lee Cattermole has hailed the impact of Connor Wickham in recent weeks.
Cattermole believes Wickham's emergence has proved he is now realising his potential and developing into a fully-fledged Premier League player.
Cattermole said: "His goals will have given him such a boost.
"The fans have recognised there is a real player in there, too, and having their backing will have been massive for him.
"I bet Connor does not want the season to end!
"If he can finish the season off well he will come back next year all the stronger and knowing he has proved he can play in the Premier League."
