Sunderland boss Gus Poyet believes they have something special on their hands in Connor Wickham.

The striker struck twice in victory over Cardiff City yesterday.

Asked if he had ever seen a player return from a loan spell to such effect, Poyet admitted: "No, I haven't, but I can tell you that I was hoping for that, that was the idea.

"Connor needed a run of games. I'm sure that in football, there are plenty of players who would like to come and see the manager and say, 'Come on, give me five games'.

"It's not that easy. But because of everything that has happened during the season, I was in a position where I was able to say, 'Go on, play from here and then it's up to you. It's not me, it's you'

. "He is changing our season around and if he if he maintains the level, he could be up there as one of the most remembered players at Sunderland, which would be great for him for the future."