Poyet Making A Mistake Relying On Inexperienced Striker

Sunderland manager Gus Poyet has re-called Connor Wickham from his loan at Leeds United, in the hope he can help lift Sunderland to safety. I can’t see how.

The Guardian reports that Poyet believes that Wickham can have the effect of a new signing and reinvigorate his side after some lack-lustre performances.

With Steven Fletcher out with an ankle injury and Ignacio Scocco and Jozy Altidore failing to make a big impact, he believes the 20-year-old is a good alternative.

However, I would have to disagree. Since Steve Bruce signed him from Ipswich Town for £12 million in 2011, Wickham has only scored one goal in 33 appearances for the ‘Black Cats’.

Even during his time at Ipswich he did not exactly set the Championship alight, and does not boast the most impressive scoring record, with 13 goals in 65 games.

He has done better in recent times, during his second loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday this season he scored eight goals in 12 games.

But the step up from Championship to Premier League is huge and even more so when a team a relying on you to make a difference that older players cannot.

It will be interesting to see how Wickham does under the guidance of Gus Poyet, who is putting a lot of faith in the young striker, with rumours he will start against Liverpool tonight.

He has physical presence to cause Liverpool problems, but we will have to wait and see if he can fulfil his potential.

Follow @jireland94

Comments

[Keith Adams]

Hello,
Refer to your comments of disagreement with Poyet's decision to call on young Whickham.
Which other, more mature strikers are you referring to Vs Whickham ?
As you said,
Fletcher is injured,
Altidore & Scocco are not up to scratch,
So where is your direction via your inept news fashion !
Go back to sleep ,