Connor fits the mould of a big, bustling centre-forward and is already a huge physical presence despite his young age.

He was a prodigy during his time with Ipswich, emerging through the youth system and scoring 15 goals in 72 games for the Tractor Boys.

Connor, who was born in Colchester, was just 16 years and 11 days old when he played his first senior game.

He won the Football League’s young player of the year award in 2011 and was constantly linked with moves to clubs including Spurs and Liverpool.

But it was Sunderland who grabbed the highly-prized striker with an £8.1m bid in June 2011, with the youngster signing a four-year deal.

Despite still being young enough to play for the youth team, Wickham featured regularly in first-team squads, though 14 of his 19 appearances in 2011-12 came off the bench.

There was a memorable moment for Connor just three months into his first top-flight season as he bagged his first goal for Sunderland – a fine low finish against Aston Villa.

He has been capped by England at under-16, under-17, under-19 and under-21 level and won the U17 European Championships with his country in May 2010, scoring the winner against Spain in the final.

The striker joined Sheffield Wednesday on a month's loan in February 2013 following Danny Graham's arrival on Wearside and scored one goal in seven appearances.

Connor is on Twitter and you can follow him at www.twitter.com/connorwickham10.

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