Sunderland striker Connor Wickham is gunning for a Barclays Premier League chance after launching his season in style in the Capital One Cup.
The 20-year-old grabbed his opportunity with both hands after being hurled into something of a maelstrom on Tuesday night.
Wickham was thrown on as a 49th-minute substitute with his side trailing 1-0 in their second round tie to League One MK Dons and their woes deepened soon afterwards when Izale McLeod doubled the visitors' lead.
However, with disaster and a an angry verdict from the home fans awaiting Paolo Di Canio's men, the England Under-21 international set up Jozy Altidore to reduce the deficit and then scored twice himself on the way to a 4-2 victory which was completed by Adam Johnson's late strike.
Wickham, in the process, gave himself a chance of being involved at Crystal Palace on Saturday.
He said: "Of course I realise I need to make the most of any opportunity I get.
"I was maybe disappointed that I wasn't on from the start, but you have to quickly get your mind right and get in the mindset that if you're called upon, you get into the game.
"Hopefully I've proved that I've got the confidence and ability to get into the team. I hope I've put my hand up for Saturday.
"The manager said 'go on and be strong, chase them down and score a goal', and thankfully I got two.
"In every game, I just try to do my best and I want to show the manager that I'm capable and confident in my own ability."
Source: PA
