CONNOR WICKHAM has revealed Sunday’s Wear-Tyne derby win has given the Sunderland squad a new lease of life as they prepare to embark on a vital few weeks in the fight against relegation.

The Black Cats’ 1-0 victory over rivals Newcastle was their first in the league since January 31 and it came at a crucial time with fellow strugglers Leicester City, Queens Park Rangers and Burnley all picking up points over the weekend.

The gap between Sunderland and the relegation places is three points going into Saturday’s visit of Crystal Palace, who have been revitalised since former Newcastle boss Alan Pardew took over in January.

Sunderland have also improved since Dick Advocaat replaced Gus Poyet and Wickham revealed the atmosphere inside the dressing room has been boosted by their fifth successive triumph over the Tynesiders.

Their record after beating Newcastle doesn’t make good reading, though, with the Black Cats having won only one of their next games after tasting derby glory in the last three seasons, but Wickham believes the squad will take the high of last weekend into their remaining fixtures.

“It’s obviously a big game for us because of the position we’re in,” the striker said.

“But it’s so tight down at the bottom that we can pretty much catch the next three or four clubs ahead of us, one win can move you up two or three places.

“Obviously, it’s not going to be easy against Palace but we know what we need to do and I think there is a new lease of life about the team and about the boys.

“When we go out onto the pitch, I think that’s going to rub off and hopefully we’ll do the job.

“I think since the manager’s come in he and his staff have been positive with the boys.

“Training’s been good, we’re working on things everyday and the manager knows, he’s telling us what he wants us to do every day. There’s a consistency to the team, which helps.

“It’s not going to be easy, but we did it last year, so this season as disappointing as it is to be near the bottom and in the scrap again, we just need to adapt and make sure we don’t get dragged further into it.”

Advocaat has changed Sunderland’s set-up since taking over and it is clear from their performances against West Ham and Newcastle that a more direct approach suits the team better.

In both games, Wickham started in the hole behind Jermain Defoe and Steven Fletcher and all three looked more dangerous than they had playing a different system in previous outings.

Wickham said: “I wouldn’t say certain individuals have played better now than they have done before.

“I just think the way we’re training now, the way we’re set up and the manager’s information is clear, and now we know exactly what we’re doing, exactly how he wants us to play.

“There’s consistency in the team, and it does feel like there’s a new release almost.

“There’s a new manager, a new start. Everyone’s got the same start with him. It has been fresh, it has revitalised the team and we’re feeling good, playing well so we’ve got six games to make it count.”

Palace have won seven of their 11 league games since Pardew was appointed with their latest triumph coming against reigning Premier League champions Manchester City on Monday night.

The Black Cats must put a similar run of form together in their last seven matches, but Wickham insisted they will no fear in-form Palace just because they defeated Manuel Pellegrini’s men.

He said: “I watched the game and I couldn’t believe it. But, you know, it’s one of those things. City are a great team but they’re probably the one up there now not quite on top form.

“We did it to them last year, we went down there as underdogs, we were 2-1 up and they scored in the last minute.

“Palace are a good team, but we’re not going to worry about them beating City. We won’t fear them. You can only beat what’s in front of you, and that’s what it comes down to on Saturday.

“They’ve picked up some good results, same as Newcastle (before Christmas) - that’s why they’re on 35 points, after having had a five or six-game spell when they went on a good run.

“It’s just one of those things. We did it at the end of last season and thankfully we did it at the right time. We just need to pick ourselves up, keep going, keep positive and keep our minds on the job.”

Santiago Vergini has revealed he will stay at the Stadium of Light beyond the end of the campaign if Sunderland stay up.

The Argentine defender is currently on a season-long loan deal from Estudiantes and admitted there was a clause that triggers a further two years if the club avoids relegation.

He said: “In the contract it’s written that if we stay up then automatically I’ve got a further two years.

“I feel very comfortable here so I would like to stay. The only thing which is a downside is the climate but the last few days have been good!”