Connor Wickham desperate to make Sunderland impact

Wickham is yet to make a start for Sunderland, having come off the bench five times since his summer move from Ipswich Town

Sunderland striker Connor Wickham says he has been desperate to make an impact on Wearside following his £8.1m summer move from Ipswich Town.

The 18-year-old has been limited to five substitute appearances, with Steve Bruce reluctant to rush the teenager's development at the club.

"It's been quite frustrating," Wickham told BBC Newcastle.

"I just want to play football, and when we're not doing so well I want to go and show everyone what I can do."

Wickham added: "I've just got to do the best I can in the time I get on the pitch.

"Hopefully I can do enough in 15-30 minutes to show that I am capable of doing what I've done before [at Ipswich]."

The England under-21 international was linked with a string of clubs including Liverpool and Tottenham before terms were agreed at the Stadum of Light, with Bruce pivotal in the final decision.

"What happened in the summer was in the papers a lot, and speculation, and that is all it was at the end of the day," Wickham added.

"I spoke to the gaffer [Bruce] here, he told me his plans and I was in his plans and that's what sold me the club and made me come here.

"I don't regret anything, Ipswich was a great club, I was there from 11 years old so what they did for me was brilliant.

"I've moved on, I'm at Sunderland and in the Premier League, I've got to show what I can do."