Connor Wickham eyes Sunderland improvement

New Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio on the touchline during the match against Chelsea on April 7, 2013
© PA Photos
Sunderland striker Connor Wickham is eyeing a higher finish in the Premier League for the Black Cats next season under Paolo Di Canio.

Sunderland striker Connor Wickham is adamant that his side should be disappointed with their 17th place finish in the Premier League last season.

The Black Cats escaped relegation after Wigan Athletic lost to Arsenal, confirming their drop into the Championship.

Wickham told the club's official website: "We shouldn't be in that [finishing] position with the squad we've got.

"We shouldn't be anywhere near that position so next season we'll come back and we all know we're going to move forward.

"Hopefully we'll push on as a unit and become a stronger team next season."

Wickham made 14 appearances last season for the Black Cats, scoring just once in the FA Cup against Bolton Wanderers.

Cesar Azpilicueta scores an own goal to give Sunderland the lead on April 7, 2013
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