Sunderland manager Martin O’Neill has indicated that he will consider letting Connor Wickham go out on loan to get some games under his belt.
The England Under-21 striker has yet to make an appearance for Sunderland this season, and hopes a temporary move away from the Stadium of Light will secure a run of first team games.
Since his £8 million move from Ipswich, Wickham has only scored one goal for the Black Cats in 18 appearances.
“If he came to me and asked me if I could afford to lose him for a month because he wanted to go out and get three or four games, I’d give it some consideration,” O’Neill told The Mirror.
Former club Ipswich would be happy to bring him back to Portman Road on loan, as the Tractor boys are struggling so far this season, however his wages would prove to be a stumbling block.
A place in the Sunderland team is proving difficult for Wickham, with new signing Steve Fletcher starting the season off in fantastic form scoring five goals.
Despite not making an appearance for the Sunderland first team this season, 19-year-old Wickham has been playing at under-21 level for England so his fitness is up to pace according to O’Neill.