CONNOR WICKHAM laughed off Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio’s ‘‘Playboy model’’ jibe and believes he will only improve under the Italian’s guidance.

The 20-year-old striker moved to the north east two years ago but has only shown flashes of the ability that persuaded the Black Cats to fork out £8.1million.

Struggling to fight his way into former manager Martin O’Neill’s plans, Wickham was loaned to Sheffield Wednesday but became a regular in Di Canio’s Sunderland side upon his return.

That, though, has not stopped the volatile Black Cats boss taking a swipe at the striker. Di Canio compared Wickham to a ‘‘Playboy model’’ and said he needs a slap in the face to reach his full potential – comments the striker laughed off.

‘‘I don’t know (what to make of it),’’ he said. ‘‘I just saw it.

It is just down to me to take on what I see in the papers.

‘‘I don’t really read the papers anyway but I am fine, I will get my head down, keep working and show him what I can do when I get back.

‘‘Our relationship is fine. He has had words on the training pitch and helped me along.

‘‘He said he will help me improve as a player so for me there is nothing but positive vibes from him.

‘‘I can’t wait to get back to Sunderland and just work hard again.

‘‘I have played the two games that I have been fit for and come on for the other halves.

‘‘I feel strong, I feel confident in the manager and that I will get a chance. Hopefully if I do get a chance, I will take it.’’ Wickham is currently away with the England Under-21 squad in Israel, where the European Championships get underway on Wednesday.

The Young Lions face Italy in their first Group A match, before taking on Norway and hosts Israel.

‘‘All the boys are really looking forward to what is to come,’’ Wickham said.

‘‘We had a week in Turkey, which prepared us physically for the weather and the demands of the heat, the pitch and the surface.

‘‘The vibe in the camp is good and we are all looking forward to Wednesday night.

‘‘I don’t think the belief has ever been stronger. Walking around the camp and at dinner – you can feel it everywhere you go.

‘‘We’ve had the coaching staff and everyone drumming into us how the important tournament is.”